A presentation on an experimental social network, bringing adult educators in the Nordic countries together.

1. A community of practice
learning through social media online !?
Hróbjartur Árnason
University of Iceland

2. Background for norDist
• DISTANS (a NVL Network since Des. 2005)
– “Enhancing adult learning
with new technologies”
– Through:
• conferences
• symposia
• webinars
• a wiki

3. One step further
With norDist:
• We want to bring this work further
• Create an ongoing discussion
• Create a space where adult educators in the
Nordic countries (and elsewhere if they like)
can together further their competencies in
this field.

4. Maybe this is Social learning?
We usually learn from
• People around us (collegues, role models e.t.c)
• By modelling behaviour, methods, attitudes …
Through:
Observation
Sharing
Discussions
Asking for help
Copying
Collaboration
…
See Bandura

10. norDist… a community of practice?
• Teachers and other adult educators
• Interested in supporting their students learning
• With and through technology
• Where it is useful
Today we can choose our tribe!

11. Elements of a social network…
• Profiles
• Presentation of self
• Photo
• Discussions
• Special interest
groups
• Wiki
• Blogs
• Activity Stream
• Notifications
• Chat
A network like norDist needs various “spaces” and functionalities which
spur activity and help members to use it as a learning space.
We are testing and learning:

12. What MAKES or breaks it?
When you og to a party, a conference
or a course… what do you do to gain
the most???
But what
do you do
online…
How do you
get to know
people?
Should i
dare??
What will they think
Is it
interesting?

13. What’s
new?
What
next?
Blogs
The group
welcomes
you!

15. Ad hoc
webinars on
interesting
issues

16. What we are learning
• Leaving your mark (Activity stream…)
• Your face matters 
• Generosity works wonders
• Sharing, tips, stories, requests moves us on…
• Barriers to overcome are easier than you think
• The more you share the more you gain
• New ideas are born where people come
together, share, test, try and discuss

17. Welcome to:
A community of practice
learning through social media online !?
Hróbjartur Árnason, University of Iceland