@article {5811, title = {The Impact of Hierarchical Positions on the Type of Communication within Online Communities of Learning}, journal = {Computers in Human Behavior}, volume = {58}, year = {2016}, pages = {158{\textendash}170}, abstract = {Communities of Learning (CoL) have been suggested to facilitate the learning process among participants of online trainings. Yet, previous studies often detached participants from the social context in which learning took place. The present study addresses this shortcoming by providing empirical evidence from 25 CoL of a global organization, where 249 staff members from different hierarchical positions engaged into collaborative learning via asynchronous discussion forums. We conduct a longitudinal study on the type of communication within these CoL, as well as participants{\textquoteright} network positions, in order to investigate the research question: What is the impact of individual{\textquoteright}s hierarchical positions on the type of communication within CoL? Our results indicate that the higher participants{\textquoteright} hierarchical position, the higher their amount of social and cognitive communication, which in turn was also positively related to their network position within CoL. We also identified a sub-group of Stars that outperformed their colleagues and who were at the center of CoL, irrespective of their hierarchical positions. Consequently, we propose design and facilitation strategies to practitioners and organizers of future CoL that can foster the learning processes and outcomes of all participants. Additionally, we consider future research avenues that could be explored further.}, keywords = {Community of Learning, Content Analysis, Hierarchical Positions, Social Network Analysis, type of communication}, doi = {10.1016/j.chb.2015.12.065}, author = {Martin Rehm and Regina H. Mulder and Wim Gijselaers and Mien Segers} } @article {4089, title = {The Impact of Hierarchical Positions on Communities of Learning}, journal = {International Journal of Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning}, volume = {10}, year = {2015}, pages = {117-138}, keywords = {Community of Learning, Content Analysis, Hierarchical Positions}, url = {http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11412-014-9205-8}, author = {Martin Rehm and Wim Gijselaers and Mien Segers} } @proceedings {3713, title = {Unified Yet Separated - Empirical Study on the Impact of Hierarchical Positions within Communities of Learning}, year = {2014}, address = {Tampere, Finland}, abstract = {

The arcticle has receiced an Outstanding Paper Award at the EdMedia World Conference on Educational Media and Technology\ 

Communities of Learning (CoL) are suggested to facilitate the co-construction of knowledge among participants of online trainings. Yet, previous studies often detached participants from the social context in which learning took place. The manuscript addresses this shortcoming by providing empirical evidence from 30 CoL of a global organization, where 337 staff members from different hierarchical positions collaboratively enhanced their knowledge via asynchronous discussion forums. The results from four dedicated studies clearly indicate that the higher participants\’ hierarchical position, the higher their amount of social and cognitive messages, and the more central their network position within CoL. However, we also identified a group of \“Stars\” that outperformed their colleagues and who were at the centre of CoL networks, irrespective of their hierarchical positions. Based on these findings, HRD practitioners can better design and facilitate future collaborative learning activities that build upon the strength and weaknesses of all participants.

}, keywords = {Community of Learning, Content Analysis, Hierarchical Position, Social Network Analysis}, author = {Martin Rehm} }