Title: Significant learning communities as environments for actualising human potentials

Authors: Renate Motschnig-Pitrik

Addresses: University of Vienna, Research Lab for Educational Technologies, Austria

Abstract: This paper aims to integrate the potentials that are inherent in person-centred encounters with those of collaborative learning supported by interactive web environments. The resulting sociotechnical systems are referred to as Significant Learning Communities (SILCs), since learning is based on interpersonal relationships and – by design – combines knowledge construction with personal growth. Self-organised co-actualisation processes can unfold in a way that flexibly adjusts to personal (as well as environmental) requirements, resulting in effective, fluent processes. The paper characterises SILCs, identifies their challenges and unique benefits and discusses the functions of web-based tools.

Keywords: significant learning communities; SILC; person-centred approach; PCA; encounter groups; small groups; interpersonal relationships; semantic web; web services; knowledge construction; human resource development; HRD; humanistic education; collaborative learning.

DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2008.022058

International Journal of Knowledge and Learning, 2008 Vol.4 No.4, pp.383 - 397

Published online: 17 Dec 2008 *

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