How Social Network Position Relates to Knowledge Building in Online Learning Communities?

Social Network Analysis,Statistical Analysis,Content Analysis and other research methods were used to research online learning communities at Capital Normal University,Beijing.Analysis of the two online courses resulted in the following conclusions:(1)Social networks of the two online courses form typical core-periphery structures;(2)Social networks of the two online courses contain“structural holes,”where some actors position themselves to become potential opinion-leaders within their social networks;(3)Actors,variously positioned within a core-periphery structure,show quite significant differences in terms of knowledge building;(4)Taking“structural holes”into account,there exist considerable differences in knowledge building between opinion-leaders and non opinion-leaders;(5)Actors in the“core”and“structural hole”positions have very different characteristics in terms of knowledge building.These actors in particular play important roles in online learning communities,impacting on the level of the constructed knowledge.

Historical Timber-Framed Buildings： Typology and Knowledge

This paperprovides a historical overview intending to clarify the methods of interpretation of timber-framed buildings by different authors of construction treatises, and structural intentions of the carpentry designers and master builders, throughout the centuries, until the period when it became scientific structural theory. It describes the ＂box-frame＂ construction that appeared in Lisbon, after the earthquake of 1755, characterized by its good seismic resistance. This knowledge is important to determine a strategy of an efficient restoration practice in historical constructions which require an intervention subordinated to its raised patrimonial and artistic value, minimum, which respects the authenticity of its structural and construction conception and which is reversible and compatible, in physical, chemical, mechanic and aesthetic terms. Empirical understanding of the most important properties of wood to structure purposes, the defects of structural timbers, the framing and the preliminary survey followed by the structural survey were some of the difficulties which can be overcame in practice.

Creating a Community of Learners in the Language Classroom

This paper reports a study designed to observe how a learning community arose when a group of learners of English focused on a common project. The students＇ task was to participate as speakers in an international conference. Undergraduate students in a course of Business English at a small private university in western Mexico worked in teams to research and develop a topic to be sent as a proposal to the conference.The study used Interaction Analysis with a qualitative focus to observe participant interactions. Video and audio recordings were supplemented with participant interviews and questionnaires. Analysis shows that in the course of the project, the students learned not only business terminology, but also how to work together.