Learning in multiple communities from the perspective of knowledge capital

Abstract

In a learning system, multiple communities represent a networked structure of learning experiences. Individuals belong to multiple communities connected though complex relationships consisting of people, resources, rituals, and ties. Learning occurs as individuals traverse this network from one community to the next. This paper explores the question of how learning occurs in compound communities from the perspective of knowledge capital, that is, the communities’ collective knowledge, skill, and perspective, as well as relationships and connections among members. Through interviews conducted with postgraduate students belonging to multiple communities, we identified issues related to conflict between communities, closed-congregation communities, privacy, and reputation. The results have implications concerning social and structural aspects of learning and instructional design in multiple communities.