The role of networked learning in academics’ writing

Keywords: academic writing, academic literacies, collaborative work, digital scholarship, informal learning

Abstract

This article explores academics’ writing practices, focusing on the ways in which they use digital platforms in their processes of collaborative learning. It draws on interview data from a research project that has involved working closely with academics across different disciplines and institutions to explore their writing practices, understanding academic literacies as situated social practices. The article outlines the characteristics of academics’ ongoing professional learning, demonstrating the importance of collaborations on specific projects in generating learning in relation to using digital platforms and for sharing and collaborating on scholarly writing. A very wide range of digital platforms have been identified by these academics, enabling new kinds of collaboration across time and space on writing and research; but challenges around online learning are also identified, particularly the dangers of engaging in learning in public, the pressures of ‘always-on’-ness and the different values systems around publishing in different forums.

Published: 14 November 2017

Citation: Research in Learning Technology 2017, 25: 1958 - http://dx.doi.org/10.25304/rlt.v25.1958

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Author Biography

Sharon McCulloch, Lancaster University
I am a Senior research Associate in the Department of Linguistics and English Language at Lancaster University.
Published
2017-11-14
How to Cite
McCulloch S., Tusting K., & Hamilton M. (2017). The role of networked learning in academics’ writing. Research in Learning Technology, 25. https://doi.org/10.25304/rlt.v25.1958
Section
Original Research Articles