My main research interest is in social learning
theories focused on issues related to networked learning. Key questions are how,
why and when (informal) learning networks are being formed, how do they
develop, what determines the quality of a good connection/relationship
(weak and strong ties), how do they mature and scale, what are their
outcomes, and how are these networks facilitated by technical tools,
devices and technical networking infrastructures.
In order to study the
nature of networked learning I developed a multi-method approach
triangulating quantitative and qualitative techniques to describe the complexity
of networked learning from various perspectives and its development
overtime.
The aim of this methodology is to paint a more complete picture
of networked learning processes. I believe that these
understandings will contribute to the development of better pedagogical
frameworks, ICT software and (mobile) devices in order to effectively
support (informal) learning in various social configurations.
This multi-method research framework combines social network analysis
(SNA) to find out ‘who is talking to whom’, content analysis (CA) to find out
‘what they are talking about’, and contextual analysis (CxA) focusing on the
experiences and settings of the participants to find out ‘why they are talking
as they do’.
Multi-method
research framework for studying networked learning.
These
three methods are used to triangulate and contextualise our findings and to stay
close or connected to the first-hand experiences of the participants themselves.
This method was
validated during my phd study where I studied various networked
learning communities (in work and educational settings). These studies were
focused on providing an empirical account on how participants of these networked
learning communities regulate and coordinate their collaborative learning. In
these studies I described the development of peer teaching and learning
processes by describing the richness and complexity of the networked
learning interactions and how participants' participation changes over time
developing more advanced networked learning skills and
competencies.
After I finished my PhD (supervised by Vic
Lally, Robert-Jan Simons and Etienne Wenger) in 2006 at the University of
Utrecht on Networked
Learning I worked in the
Now I am working again in the Netherlands
at IVLOS, university of Utrecht, where I
manage a 2,5 year project called ‘Lerend
lesgeven met ICT ’.
I also work for Ruud de Moor Centre at the
Dutch Open University, where I am responsible for developing and coordinating a
research programme on networked learning managing up to 12 projects on Networked
Learning and teacher professional development. Here is a draft paper scoping the
possibilities of networked learning for the professional development of teachers
[unfortunately only in Dutch at the moment]. This is a working paper so comments
are most welcome.
If you like to know more about networked learning in
practice please check out a video on Leraar 24 [Teacher 24] on using the Brain
as a networking tool for teachers
I am currently a member of the organising committee for the next
Networked Learning
Conference. Held in Aalborg Hot seat keynotes When Who Conference theme September 28 -
October 2 Learning in Social Networks and Networked
Learning October, 26 – 30 Impact on Learning of Networked
Technologies November December, 7 -11 Networked Learning and International
Development January, 18 - 22 Theories and Methodologies for Research in
Networked Learning February, 15 -19 Globalisation and Interculturality in Networked
Learning March, exact date to be
confirmed Related to conference keynote
address April, exact date to be
confirmed Related to conference keynote
address Conferences: Keynote presentation at the EAPRIL conference 2009, Trier, Germany
Invited presentations:
Prior to this conference we have organised a
series of FREE online hot
seat presentations.
Below is the list of hot seat presenters and
their themes:
We are planning lots of other online
interactive networked learning events as well. So have a look and
join in!Presentations
De Laat, M.F. (2006). Networked Learning. Apeldoorn: Politie
Academie
Hanraets, I., Hulsebosch, J., & De Laat, M.F. (In preparation). Experiences of pioneers in the landscape of educational learning networks.
Habibah, A.J., McFarlane, A., & De Laat, M.F. (In preparation). Patterns of peers and tutor assisted performance in online discussions.
Strijbos, J. W., & De Laat, M. F. (2010). Developing the role
concept for computer-supported collaborative learning: An explorative
synthesis. Computers in Human Behaviour (will appear in June).
Akkerman, S., Petter, C. & Laat, M. de (2008).
Organising communities-of-practice:
facilitating emergence. Journal of
workplace learning, 20(6),
383-399.
Conole, G., De Laat, M. F., Dillon,
T., & Derby, J. (2008). ‘Disruptive technologies’,
‘pedagogical innovation’: What’s new? Findings from an in-depth study of
students’ use and perception of technology. Computers & Education.
De Laat, M. F., Lally, V., Lipponen, L., & Simons, P. R. J. (2007). Investigating patterns of interaction in networked learning and computer-supported collaborative learning: A role for social network analysis. International Journal of Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning.
De Laat, M. F., Lally, V., Lipponen, L., & Simons, P. R. J. (2007). Online teaching in networked learning communities: A multi-method approach to studying the role of the teacher. Instructional Science 35(3), 257-286.
De Laat, M. F., Lally, V., Simons, P. R. J., & Wenger, E. (2006). A selective analysis of empirical findings in networked learning research in higher education: Questing for coherence. Educational Research Review 1(2), 99-111.
Strijbos, J. W., De
Laat, M. F., Martens, R. L., & Jochems, W. M. G. (2006). Functional
versus spontaneous roles during computer-supported collaborative learning: Using
content analysis to investigate communication and role behaviour in small
groups. Manuscript submitted for publication.
De Laat, M. F., Lally, V., Lipponen,
L., & Simons, P. R. J. (2006). Analysing student engagement with learning and
tutoring activities in networked learning communities: A multi-method
approach.
International Journal of Web-Based Communities 2(4).
Goodyear, P., De Laat, M. F., & Lally, V. (2006).
Using pattern languages to mediate theory-praxis conversations in design for
networked learning. ALT-J 14(3),
211-223.
Conole, G., Carusi, A. De Laat, M.F.,
Wilcox, P., & Darby, J. (2006). Managing differences in
stakeholder relationships and organisational cultures in e-learning development:
Lessons from the
Mittendorf, K., Geijsel, F., Hoeve, A., De Laat, M. F., & Nieuwenhuis, L. (2006). Communities of practice as stimulating forces for collective learning. Journal of Workplace Learning 18(5), 298-312.
De Laat, M. F., & Lally, V.
(2005). Investigating
group structure in CSCL: Some new approaches. Information Systems Frontiers, 7(1),
13-25
De Laat, M. F., & Lally, V.
(2004). It’s not so easy: Researching the
complexity of emergent participant roles and awareness in asynchronous networked
learning discussions. Journal of Computer
Assistant Learning, 20(3), 165-171.
De Laat, M. F., & Lally, V.
(2003). Complexity, Theory and Praxis: Researching
Collaborative Learning and Tutoring Processes in a Networked Learning Community.
Instructional Science, 31(1&2), 7-39.
Poell, R., Doornbos, A. & De Laat, M. F. (2003). Leercontract geeft structuur aan bpv. Profiel 12(2), 22-24
De Laat, M. F., & Simons, P. R.
J. (2002). Collective learning: Theoretical perspectives
and ways to support networked learning. European Journal for Vocational Training
27,
13-24
De Laat, M. F. (2001). Collectief
leren in organisaties met behulp van ICT. Opleiding en Ontwikkeling, 14(3),
21-24.
Doornbos, A., & De Laat, M. F.
(2000). Onderzoek naar nieuwe manieren van leren bij de politie. BPV
journaal.
Wegerif, R., De Laat, M.F. (In press). "Reframing the teaching of higher order thinking for the network society". In: S. Ludvigsen, A. Lund, & R. Saljo. (Eds.) Learning in social practices: ICT and new artefacts – transformation of social and cultural practices.
Jones, C., Cook, J., Jones, A., and de Laat, M.F. (2007)
Collaboration. Chapter
Simons, P. R. J. & De Laat, M.F.
(2006). E-pedagogies
for networked learning. In L. Verschaffel, M. Boekaerts
&
Carr, T., Lally, V., De Laat, M. F.,
& Glenda, C. (2006). Computer supported collaborative learning and
the central research questions: Two illustrative vignettes. In E. K. Sorensen
& D. Ó. Murchú (Eds.), Enhancing
learning through technology.(pp. 203-226).
De Laat, M. F., & Lally, V.
(2004). Complexity, Theory and Praxis: Researching
Collaborative Learning and Tutoring Processes in a Networked Learning Community.
In P. Goodyear, S. Banks & D. McConnel (Eds). Advances in Research on Networked
Learning (pp.11-43).
De Laat, M.F., & Lally, V.
(2004). Creativity and
the net: How do researchers collaborate creatively using the
internet. In D. Miell & K.
De Laat, M. F., & Poell, R.
(2004) Collectief leren op de werkplek.
HRD Thema de
Community of Practice (CoP). In R. Bood & M.
Coenders (Eds). Communities of
practice: een innovatief perspectief. Deventer: Kluwer,
15-24.
Coenders, M., & De Laat, M.
(2004). COP's zijn een kans om strategische HRD vorm te geven: Een interview met
etienne wenger [COP’s are an opportunity for strategic HRD design: An interview
with Etienne Wenger]. In R. Bood & M. Coenders
(Eds.), Communities of practice: Een
innovatief perspectief (pp. 8-14).
Graaff, R., De Laat, M.F., &
Scheltinga, H. (2004). CSCL-ware in practice: Goals,
tasks, constraints. In J. Strijbos, P. Kirschner & R. Martens (Eds.), What we know about CSCL in Higher
Education (pp. 210-219).
De Laat, M. F., & Broer, W. (2004). CoPs for cops: Managing and creating knowledge through networked expertise. In P. Hildreth & C. Kimble (Eds.), Knowledge Networks: Innovation through communities of practice: Idea Group Publishing.
Admiraal, W., Heijting, B., De Laat,
M. F., & Rubens, W. (2003). E-learning in het Midden- en Kleinbedrijf
[E-learning in small and medium entreprises]. In W. Rubens (Ed.), E-learning: Meerwaarde of meer van het
zelfde? (Vol. 3, pp. 79-86). Deventer: Kluwer.
De Laat, M. F., Poell, R. F., Simons,
P. R. J., & Van der Krogt, F. J. (2001). Organiseren van leren op de
werkplek [Organising learning in the workplace]. In A. Wald (Ed.), Leren in perspectief. Leuven:
Garant.
Poell, R.F., Doornbos, A., & De
Laat, M. F. (2001). Making apprenticeships more
problem-based and student directed: An action-learning project with Dutch health
care and welfare teachers. In F. Beven, C. Kanes, & D. Roebuck (Eds.), Knowledge demands for the new economy
(Volume 2) (pp. 128-136).
Dirckinck-Homlfeld,
L., Hodgson, V., Jones, C., De Laat, M.F., McConnell, D., & Ryberg,
T. (2010). Networked Learning. Conference proceedings for the 7th
International conference on Networked Learning, Aalborg, Denmark.
Habibah, A.J., McFarlane, A., & De Laat,
M.F. (2010, May). Teaching as assisting others performance. Paper
presented at the 7th International
conference on
Networked Learning, Aalborg, Denmark. Paper presented at the 4th EAPRIL
conference, Trier, Germany.
Haythornthwaite, C., & De Laat, M.F. (2010, May). Social networks
and learning networks: Using social network perspectives to understand
social learning.
Hanraets, I., Hulsebosch, J., & De Laat, M.F. (2009, November).
Experiences of pioneers in the landscape of educational learning
networks. Paper presented at the
4th EAPRIL conference, Trier, Germany.
Chamrada, M., Wegerif, R., Mansour, N., De Laat, M.F. (2009, August).
Developing a multi-dimensional and multi-level coding framework for
exploring
online graphically mediated synchronous dialogues. Paper presented at a
symposium at the 13th Biennial Conference Earli,
Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Mansour, N., Wiliams, M., Wegerif, R., De Laat, M.F., Chamrada, M.
(2009, August). Using a Moderators Interface with Awareness Displays to
Support the
Scaling up of the facilitation of Synchronous Computer Supported
Collaborative Learning. Paper presented at a symposium at the
13th Biennial Conference Earli,
Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Wegerif, R., Chamrada, M., Mansour, N., & De Laat, M.F. (2009,
August). A dialogic approach to analysing argumentation: coding for
creativity in computer-supported
synchronous discussions. Paper presented at a symposium at the 13th
Biennial Conference Earli, Amsterdam, The
Netherlands.
Laat, M.F., de, & Putter, P. (2009, November). Networked learning
in education; the development of a scan to determine feasibility of
networked
learning in educational organisations. Paper presented at the 4th
EAPRIL conference, Trier, Germany.
De Laat, M.F., Chamrada, M., & Wegerif, R. (2008, May). Facilitate
the Facilitator: Awareness tools to support the moderator to facilitate
online
discussions for networked learning. Paper presented at the 6th
International Conference on Networked Learning, Halkidiki, Greece.
Akkerman, S., Petter, C. & De Laat, M.F. (2007, August). Organizing
the informal: how to find a balance in the initiation of communities of
practice? Paper presented in a symposium conducted at the 12th
biennial EARLI conference,
Strijbos, J. W., & De Laat,
M. F. (2007, August). Prototypical roles in computersupported collaborative
learning: A conceptual framework for the design of a tool for teachers. In J. W.
Strijbos & A. Weinberger (Chairs), Facilitating and analysing roles
in computer-supported collaborative learning. Paper presented in a
symposium conducted at the 12th biennial EARLI conference,
Wegerif, R. & De Laat, M.F. (2007, August) Symposium on Online
Reflective Dialogues: Integrating Social and Cognitive Dimensions.
Paper presented in a
symposium conducted at the 12th biennial EARLI conference,
De Groot, R., Drachman, R., Hever, R., Schwarz, B., Hoppe, U.,
Harrer, A., De Laat, M., Wegerif, R.,
McLaren, B. M., & Baurens, B. (2007). "Computer Supported
Moderation of E-discussions: the ARGUNAUT Approach". CSCL 2007, New
Jersy.
Hever, R., De Groot, R., de Laat, M., Harrer, A., Hoppe, U.,
McLaren, B. M., & Scheuer, O. (2007). "Combining
Structural, Process-oriented and Textual Elements to Generate Awareness
Indicators for Graphical E-discussions". CSCL 2007, New Jersy.
McLaren, B. M., Scheuer, O., De Laat, M., Hever, R., De Groot, R., & Rose, C. P. (2007). "Using Machine Learning Techniques to Analyze and Support Mediation of Student E-Discussions". AIED, 2007.
Wegerif, R.
& De Laat, M.F. (2007). Designing for teaching thinking from a
networked dialogic learning perspective. AERA, 2007,
De Laat, M.F., Conole, G., Darby, J. & Dillon, T.
(2006, September). JISC learner experiences in-depth case-study. Paper presented
at the ALT-C,
Conole, G., De Laat, M.F., Darby, J. & Dillon, T.
(2006, March). JISC online conference: Innovating e-Learning 2006: Transforming
Learning Experiences. Paper presented
at the JISC online conference.
Simons, P. R. J., & De Laat, M.
F. (2005, August). E-pedagogies for networked
learning. Paper
presented at the 11th Biennial conference on Learning & Instruction,
EARLI2005,
Goodyear, P., De Laat,
M. F., & Lally, V. (2005, August). Theory into design into theory: Two
pedagogical conversations. Paper presented at the 11th Biennial conference
on Learning & Instruction, EARLI2005,
Carusi, A., & De Laat, M. F.
(2005, August). Using networked learning to support induction
into critical reasoning: Pedagogical design and research
methodology. Paper
presented at the 11th Biennial conference on Learning & Instruction,
EARLI2005,
Carusi, A., Dexter, H., Wegerif, R.,
& De Laat, M. F. (2005, September). Productive disagreement: Pluralism in
e-learning research. Paper presented at the Alt-C, Manchester,
UK.
Darby, J., De Laat, M.
F., Wilcox, P., & Roberts, E. (2005, September). Collaboration for global e-learning
impact. Paper presented at the ALT-C,
Carusi, A., & De Laat, M. F.
(2005, April). Disputatio: A new medium for an old way of
debating. Paper
presented at the
Conole, G., Carusi, A., & De
Laat, M. F. (2005, February). Learning from the UKeU
experience. Paper
presented at the ICE Conference,
De Laat, M. F., Lally, V., &
Lipponen, L. (2005, April). Online tutoring styles in networked
learning communities: A multi-method approach. Paper presented at the Learning and Technology
Symposium,
De Laat, M. F., Lally, V., &
Lipponen, L. (2005, April). Teaching online in networked
learning communities: A multi-method approach. Paper presented at the WUN eLearning Seminar
Series: Seminar 2 Research methodological issues in e-learning research,
Strijbos, J., De Laat, M. F.,
Martens, R., & Jochems, W. M. G. (2005, May). Functional versus spontaneous roles during
CSCL. Paper
presented at the CSCL The next 10 years! Taipei, Taiwan.
De Laat, M.F., Lally, V., &
Lipponen, L. (2004, November). Patterns of Interaction in
a Networked Learning Community. World Conference on
E-Learning in Corp., Govt., Health., & Higher Ed. 2004, 1846-1853.
Strijbos, J.W., & De Laat, M.F.
(2003, December). Functional versus spontaneous roles during computer-supported
collaborative learning: a quantitative and qualitative approach. Paper presented at the M-ICTE 2003.
Admiraal, W., De Laat, M. F., Rubens,
W., & Lally, V. (2003, September). ICT support for workplace
learning: eLearning in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Paper presented at the ECER,
Lally, V., & De Laat, M. F.
(2003, June). A quartet in E. Paper presented at the
CSCL,
De Laat, M. F., & Lally, V.
(2003, June). Orchestrating collaborative learning:
Software design to support online learning and tutoring strategies. Paper
presented at the Ed-Media,
De Laat, M. F., De Graaff, R., &
Scheltinga, H. (2003, August). Applying CSCL technology:
Goals, tasks, constraints. Paper presented at the EARLI,
Kleine Staarman, J., De Laat, M. F.,
Van der Meijden, H. (2002, June). Seeking attunement in
collaborative learning. Paper presented at the ISCRAT 2002,
Attwell, G., Malloch, M., & De Laat, M. F. (2002,
September). “Approaching an electronic
community” from the perspective of “mutual learning”. Paper presented at
ECER conference,
De Laat, M. F. (2002, March). Network and content
analysis in an online community discourse. Paper presented at the Networked
Learning Conference,
De Laat, M. F., & Lally, V. (2002, April). Individual and group learning processes in
virtual professional development. Paper presented at the AERA,
Lally, V., & De Laat, M. F.
(2002, January). Cracking the code: Learning to
collaborate and collaborating to learn in a networked environment. Paper
presented at the CSCL, Boulder, CO,
Lally, V., & De
Laat, M. F. (2002, March). Deciphering Individual Learning Processes in Virtual Professional
Development. Paper presented at the Networked
Learning Conference,
Lally, V. & De Laat, M. F. (2001, September)
Talking in Code: deciphering collaborative learning and teaching. Paper (N0.
591) presented at the European Conference on Educational Research,
Akkerman S. A., & De Laat, M. F.
(2001). Community
learning: Describing and fostering learning. Paper
presented at the Symposium ter afscheid van P.R.J. Simons,
De Laat, M. F. (2001, December). Learning in a community of practice:
Creating and managing knowledge through networked expertise. Paper presented
at the 2nd world conference on organized crime, modern criminal investigation
and human rights,
Doornbos, A.J., De Laat, M.F. (2001)
Leren op de werkplek benaderd vanuit individueel en collectief perspectief. In:
Eck, E. van, Griffioen, D., Hout, J.F.M.J. van, Peetsma, T.T.D. (Eds.), Onderwijsonderzoek in Nederland en
Vlaanderen. Proceedings van de 28ste Onderwijs Research Dagen 2001 (pp.
241-242). Amsterdam: SCO-Kohnstamm Instituut, Universiteit van
Amsterdam
De Laat, M. F., & Spruijt, C. (2001, March). Lerend werken in een community of practice: Het gebruik van een elektronisch overleg platform bij het Nationaal Netwerk Drugexpertise [Learning in a community of practice: Using a electronic discussion forum at the National Network on Drugs Expertise]. Paper presented at the Lerend werken, Maarssen, The Netherlands.
De Laat, M. F., De Jong, F. P. C. M.,
& Ter Huurne, J. (2000, June). Supporting a community of
practice: the role of workers as learners. Paper
presented at the Edmedia 2000,
Kleine Staarman, J., Laat de, M. F.,
& Meijden van der, H. (2000, May). Werken met Web Knowledge
Forum: Knowledge building of debatteren [Working
with Web Knowledge Forum: Knowledge building or debating]. Paper presented at
the ORD 2000,
De Laat, M.F., Wismans, G., & Zuylen, J.
(2010). Virtual Action Learning en Lerend Lesgeven met ICT. Redactie
Reeks
Onderwijsvernieuwing,
nr.14.
Kranenburg, F., Koopman, GJ., Wismans, G., Gratama van Andel, S., &
De Laat, M.F. (2010). Virtual Action Learning in het Hoger
Onderwijs. In
M.F. De Laat, G. Wismans & J. Zuylen (Eds.) Virtual action Learning
en Lerend Lesgeven met ICT. Reeks
Onderwijsvernieuwing, nr. 14.
Wismans, G., & De Laat, M.F. (2010). Videogebruik bij het opleiden
van docenten. In M.F. De Laat, G. Wismans & J. Zuylen (Eds.)
Virtual action
Learning en Lerend Lesgeven met ICT. Reeks Onderwijsvernieuwing, nr. 14.
Poell, R., Doornbos, A. & De Laat, M. F. (2003). Leercontract geeft structuur aan bpv. Profiel 12(2), 22-24
De Laat, M. F. (2001). Collectief leren in organisaties met behulp van ICT. Opleiding en Ontwikkeling, 14(3), 21-24.
Doornbos, A., & De Laat, M. F. (2000). Onderzoek naar nieuwe manieren van leren bij de politie. BPV journaal.
Goes, M., Delea, P., & De
Laat, M.F. (2009). Onderzoek naar de success- en faalfactoren bij het
leernetwerk Consortium VMBO-MBP. RdMC
Working paper.
De Laat, M.F., & Wegerif, R.
(2006). Argunaut Deliverable D5.1: Perspectives/Rules to Evaluate Discussion.
Conole, G.C., De Laat, M.F., Dillon,
T., & Darby, J. (2006). JISC LXP Student experiences
of technologies. JISC:
Lam, I., Akkerman, S., Ter Horst, S.,
De Laat, M. F., & Monachesi, P. (2005). Blended beleid voor blended learning.
Utrecht: SURF.
Alphen, M. van., & De Laat, M. F.
(1998). De aftrap geëvalueerd
[Evaluating the kick-off]. Intern Rapport: Katholieke Universiteit Nijmegen,
Expertisecentrum Nederlands.
Kwak, A., & De Laat, M. F.
(1997). Onderwijspositie van allochtone
middelbare scholieren in Nijmegen.