By Lucila Carvalho and Peter Goodyear (Eds.)

Routledge, 2014 

Review by Kathy‐Ann Daniel‐Gittens

This book is an edited collection of papers on learning networks and their designs. Structurally, the book is divided into 3 sections representing (1) an introduction to learning networks and the design framework used to analyze learning network cases in the book, (2) case study examples of productive learning networks and (3) a final synthesis of lessons learned and design principles developed.

Section one presents the concept 'learning network' and elaborates to a specific sub‐type called 'productive learning networks'. This section discusses the theoretical antecedents of learning networks and presents an analytical framework for abstracting design knowledge from existing productive learning networks. Section two of the book examines the details of 12 cases of productive learning networks. Each case is analyzed using the design framework presented in section one. This framework is used to identify specific design elements that were used in constructing the 'architecture' of the learning networks. The framework is also used to extract successful design principles from existing learning networks.

Section 1

In chapter one, Carvalho and Goodyear identify the aim of the book as, 'sharing ideas about how people learn with and from each other, when much or all of their interaction is mediated by digital communication technology' (p.4). This aim stated, they next spend time discussing the theoretical foundations of the concept 'learning networks', working their way towards a definition of the term. They approach the topic by telling us what learning networks are not. They point to a definition of networked learning developed by Goodyear, Hodgson and Steeples (1998), quote and describe it, finally letting us know that 'networked learning' and 'learning networks', are not one and the same. The authors continue the discussion by considering and discarding definitions of learning networks proposed by Harasim et al (1997) and Mayadas (1997). Finally, in a few brief words, Carvalho and Goodyear present their definition of learning networks. They state, '…we do want to promote the understanding of learning networks as assemblages of tools, artifacts, people, ideas and practices' (p.14). The definition stated, the authors immediately begin to address issues related to design. A rationale is laid out for the book's focus on design and an analytic framework is proposed to advance the design process for learning networks. This, the authors suggest, will assist in creating knowledge useful to learning network designers.

The analytic framework the authors propose, takes its conceptual organization from the field of architecture. The notion being that the 'built' structure of a learning network, like built architectural forms, can influence the way people feel and interact when they are in contact with the designed form. It is interesting to note that Carvalho and Goodyear's fundamental premises about learning networks are heavily informed by the theories and research of socio‐ cultural learning researchers like Hutchins (1995), Lave (1988) and Scribner (1986), yet their contribution to the evolution of networked learning theory is unacknowledged.

Section 2

Section two of the book contains 12 case studies. Each case is an example of a productive learning network and two or more researchers connected with each network present their