Personal profiles: Facilitating participation in Learning Networks

Learning Networks are particularly suitable for the self-directed lifelong learner. As the learner takes control over his personal competence development, it is in his interest to find suitable learning opportunities, relevant information and optimal support, particularly in interactions with others. Effective online communities rely on an active social structure. The key question then becomes which factors in the Learning Network inhibit or enhance social interaction for effective learning. It is against this background that we investigate aspects of successful social interactions in online communities. In this paper therefore, we focus our attention on the question of how personal profiles can be used to stimulate active participation in Learning Networks.