How and what do academics learn through their personal networks

Abstract

This paper investigates the role of personal networks in academics’ learning in relation to teaching. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 11 academics, this study examines, first, how and what academics learn through their personal networks; second, the perceived value of networks in relation to academics’ professional development; and, third, whether and how network participation affects professional learning and extant teaching practice. Findings suggest that personal networks equip academics with a diverse pool of knowledge and skills about teaching, offering both professional and emotional support. What academics learn through personal networks subsequently becomes embedded in their teaching practice. In this sample, change in teaching practice is focused on application of new learning technologies and new teaching and assessment strategies.

Keywords:

• personal learning networks
• learning process
• teaching in higher education
• egocentric network analysis
• mixed-method study
• professional learning
• workplace learning

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to all academics who took part in this study. We would also like to thank Dr Lina Markauskaite (University of Sydney, Australia) for recommending literature on teacher knowledge.