Title: An experiment in exchanging knowledge chains to build personal knowledge

Authors: Juliana Lucas Rezende, Rafael Leonardo Siqueira Silva, Jano Moreira De Souza, Milton Ramirez

Addresses: COPPE/UFRJ – Computer Science Department, Graduate School of Engineering, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, P.O. Box 68.513, ZIP Code 21.945–970, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. ' COPPE/UFRJ – Computer Science Department, Graduate School of Engineering, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, P.O. Box 68.513, ZIP Code 21.945–970, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. ' DCC/IM/UFRJ – Computer Science Department, Institute of Mathematics and COPPE/UFRJ Graduate School of Engineering, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, P.O. Box 68.513, ZIP Code 21.945–970, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. ' UFRJ – Institute of Mathematics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, P.O. Box 68.513, ZIP Code 21.945–970, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil

Abstract: To complement the learning process, this paper presents a process for building personal knowledge through exchanging Knowledge Chains (KC) in learning communities. The process differential is the addition of |how to use| the available knowledge of its authors (who), localisation (where), and content (what), that are commonly used. The hypothesis is that the apprentice will achieve a reduction in the time dedicated to studying a specific subject, as well as obtain more comprehensive knowledge of the subject studied. The experimental use of the prototype developed showed evidence that the hypothesis can be confirmed. In the attempt to evaluate both the impact of the use of KC in the learning of the community members, and the feasibility of the proposed system, a prototype was developed, and experiments were carried out with a group of graduate students at PESC/COPPE-UFRJ.

Keywords: knowledge chains; constructivism; computer-supported cooperative work; CSCW; knowledge management; KM; peer-to-peer; P2P architecture; learning process; learning communities; web based communities.

DOI: 10.1504/IJWBC.2006.011767

International Journal of Web Based Communities, 2006 Vol.2 No.4, pp.413 - 427

Published online: 20 Dec 2006 *

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