Database Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 1
Social Web: Web 2.0 Technologies to Enhance
Knowledge Communities
Anteneh Ayanso, Tejaswini Herath, and Kaveepan Lertwachara
Abstract In recent years, online social networks have grown immensely and
become widely popular among Internet users. In general, a social network is a social
structure consisting of nodes (which are generally individuals or organizations) that
are connected by one or more specific types of relations. These online groups are
made up of those who share passions, beliefs, hobbies, or lifestyles. These networks
allow the development of communities that exploit the capacity of the Internet to
expand users' social worlds to include people in distant locations, binding them
more strongly. The Internet helps many people find others who share their interests
regardless of the distance between them.
These social networks use a variety of communication and collaboration tech-
nologies such as blogging, video conferencing, and Wiki tools to name a few, which
can be used to harness collective intelligence. Thus, they provide great communi-
cation potential and tremendous opportunities for both casual users and profes-
sionals to share knowledge with others and thus benefit from the collective pool of
shared knowledge. For instance, in the context of learning where communication of
knowledge about issues and experience may be limited by traditional means,
educators can share experiences and teaching materials that can advance eLearning.
In other communities such as the health care domain, doctors and nurses can share
practices, experiences, and other resources to provide better health care. Another
example can be experiences and knowledge shared by emergency workers which
can improve emergency responses in various dimensions.
In this chapter, we discuss how Web 2.0 technologies can enhance knowledge-
based professional communities. Specifically, we identify a few select communities
and discuss the technologies that are used, the ways in which they can be used, and
the potential opportunities and challenges encountered by these communities.
Search WWH ::
Custom Search