I often marvel at the speed and number of responses I get from strangers when I ask for information via social networks. Why is information sharing generosity more prevalent online than in face-to-face environments? Apparently, the answer lies in being physically remote from the person (Rogers, 2003). The reason members of social networks and online connections are more willing to share information and learning is due to the strength-of-weak-ties theory (Rogers, 2003). The theory postulates that close friends do not offer information as readily as distant friends or strangers would from social networks (Rogers, 2003).
The value of a network would be measured by the amount and effectiveness of the information it provided. I find social networks such as facebook, wikieducator, and nings excellent when I need information for my studies. According to a study conducted by Mark S. Granovetter (1983), successful job seekers found more success in chance encounters and from strangers than from friends. Close friends, relatives, and people in our proximity do not share information as readily as distant ones do (Granovetter, 1983).
I found this information very relevant because I am now better able to understand why my fellow countrymen on CCK08 have completely ignored my welcoming posts on CCK08 Moodle. In fact, I was counted out of the list by one participant. Furthermore, most of teachers at my school are not as willing to collaborate on school projects as my distant friends throughout the world. I have had people mention similar encounters. Can I assume, then, that the reason many of us are spending countless hours connecting online is based on the theory of strength-of-weak-ties? Can connectivism be explained by the strength-of-weak-ties theory?
Granovetter, M. (1983). The strength of weak ties: A network theory revisited. Sociological Theory, 1, 201-233. Retrieved September 13, 2008, from http://www.tue-tm-soc.nl/iin/Granovetter-1983.pdf
Rogers, E. M. (2003). Diffusion of Innovations(Fifth Edition). New York: Free Press.
Questions for Jack Linden on Infohubs
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7 comments:
Hi Nellie,
That's really interesting - thanks for the post.
At least in my case one of my reasons for devoting so much time to connecting online is that, at a local level, there is very little awareness or existing knowledge of even the basics (this goes for the software - blogs, wikis, etc - and especially for the learning theories).
So at least in my case, from a communities of learning standpoint there is not much of one to be found locally - it's all online.
I'm hoping to change that in the long term - and I definitely thing there's interest - but I suspect my role in that respect will be something much different than that of co-learner as it is with the FOC08 and CCK08 students.
Back on the topic of your post though, interestingly I've found I'm doing the same thing. One of my colleagues (from the same department in fact) is taking the course and I've only just started commenting on her blogs. I'm not sure if there is concern that philosophical disagreements could affect the working relationship or whether it's something else - but it definitely seems to support the concept you discussed.
I'll ponder that for a while :) Thanks for the link for more info!
Cheers,
Mike
Hi Nellie, Thank you for stopping by my blog. This theory and your post made me think, as I have similar experiences at my school, ie. colleagues not at all interested in collaboration, which has led me to find colleagues abroad. I wonder if, in fact, most colleagues at my school are weaker ties for me than my international colleagues in other countries, with whom I share a lot more in common professionally. Paradoxically perhaps, I often feel 'closer' to my online colleagues, have even made more true friends online than in our staff room, which results in me preferring to sit in front of the computer involved in my own online network at school rather than chit chatting about the weekend around the coffee table. Sometimes colleagues even criticize me for neglecting real face2face contacts with them and preferring distant online communication. Then again, I mainly go to school to work rather than to socialize. Instead of weak or strong ties, would it be more to do with shared interests? After all, I never had the chance to choose my real life colleagues as I've been able to do with online ones. Hmm, thank you for the link to this theory, will have to read all of it and ponder about this a bit more.
Interesting. I have experienced exactly the same. At the beginning I was very annoyed, and impressed at the same time - I had a bad time trying to understand how people surrounding me - those who I can physically collaborate with me ignored me. Sometimes they even give me that odd look hinting it's strange ...that I don't know how to look busy and am seeking opportunities to collaborate all the time.
Most the people who share the same working space with me don't really share the same working philosophy. Hence the atmosphere is lacking. Most times they confine themselves within their own space, pretending...believing ... there is no time to waste with others...they are busy enough with their own affairs... And believe me... most times complaining about the institution and the lack of collaborative opportunities it offers. Funny ha?! I have a different opinion.I think we create the opportunities. However, it is my perception most people think that's one of the institution's role. But aren't people the institution?
Online I have been luckier and found true generosity...probably because the people who join such networks are looking for the same ...for that golden opportunity to share - to talk, to be listened to and to be able to be part of these networks of tolerance where people try to understand and help each other. Somehow we open up more online...probably it's easier to communicate with people we don't physically know. I don't know...maybe online it is easier to give more of ourselves (maybe this practice is more accepted online...maybe it's part of the online culture). What I have witnessed is that online we are able to develop new nodes of knowledge, and especially of knowing, which many time evolve in true friendship. It is hard to explain to those who haven't allowed themselves to enter this world how emotions play an important role in our learning: how we online can truly relate to people...how we appreciate the fact they listen to us and provide constructive feedback...moral support.
I think the no-time-to-waste face to face life has lost the ability to listen to. And that is what I think it's key to any (learning) relationship. And online we still find time to greet our neighbours, ask if they need support, offering an helping hand, leaving the door of our space open to others so they feel welcvome to join in...
I don't know...so many issues. I will read the article. thanks for sharing your thoughts. They are definitely relevant (to me at least)
Cristina,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the subject of distance being close. We seem to be following other norms of behavior online than we are offline. However, isn't our behavior more open because online collaboration is more doable? In other words, isn't technology facilitating the process of online collaboration?
Your thoughts?
Warm wishes,
Nellie
An interesting article - thanks for posting it. I definitely agree that people who are geographically distant can be closer ties than those close by geographically - and the value of weak ties to break out of closed groups seems very plausible. I wonder if you would classify the groups you mention in your post though (colleagues etc who were unhelpful) as strong or weak - they don't sound like close colleagues (except in terms of geography)?
Sinikka makes a good point about the stronger ties being the online ones - but do they then fulfil the point about knowing each other (the more closed group)? This article predates the web of course and I wonder whether the globalisation of relationships on line rather changes things? Or am I confusing two things: how close something *feels* and what sort of sociological network they belong to? Quite possibly! Very thought provoking - thanks!
Hi Janet,
Thank you for your comments and questions. I often find thought provoking questions more beneficial than statements. I share many of your thoughts and questions.
BTW Do you have a blog?
Warm wishes,
Nellie
Hi Nellie,
Thanks so much for this inspiring post and valuable link.
I haven't read this SWT before and so I resonate strongly with your views, and those of Cristina, Mike and Sinikka, and the ideas and research findings from the pioneers of SWT.
On top of the common interests that may be bonding such weak ties together, I think there are other reasons such as:
1. Some of us are coming from different social,cultural and ethnic backgrounds, and the connections and bridges that are built amongst us (as acquaintances) may fulfil our desire and curiousity to learn from each other's cultures, education and learning experiences.
2. We love to learn (and teach). Although we could exercise such practice at work (may be daily), we may be too busy at work (with little time to spare with our colleagues who are like us). We are also accustomed to the way we usually teach (off or online)but would like to know how other educators and learners over the world are teaching or facilitating and learning in differnt ways. We could also share such experiences with others on-line in an more open manner (without fear of work conflicts). This also opens up more opportunities for us to contribute to the local and global community (the blogosphere).
3. We could meet more "virtual friends" building up "true friendship" based on real common interests. Such relationship could be highly valued especially when we gradually learn about each others' interests and experiences upon further sharing and collaboration.
Nellie, I realised that you have been so passionate in sharing your learning (the Learning Connections 2009, Facebook Group, Digitfolios and PLE etc.) that really inspire others. You just shine.
I think I have come across your blogs on some occasions, and I am glad to continue to learn from you through our Community connections.
Cheers.
http://suifaijohnmak.wordpress.com
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