Connecting and Collaborating:

Leading Educational Networks in Australasian Tertiary Education

Mike Keppell, Gordon Suddaby & Natasha Hard

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Connectivism (Siemens, 2006) suggests that ‘knowledge is in the network’

“Learning in a richly networked society involves complex, shifting configurations of tasks, tools and people, with new distributions of activity across time, space and media (Caralho & Goodyear, 2014, p.xiv).

Networks

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Recent Publication

Carvalho, L. & Goodyear, P. (Eds.). 2014. The architecture of productive learning networks. Routledge: Taylor and Francis Group, New York.

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Networks in Higher Education

Academic Associations: Groups of academics and educators with a common focus and formal structure. For example, ACODE, ascilite, CADAD, HERDSA, ODLAA.Professional Associations: Normally non-profit organisations focused on a particular profession and may include accreditation. For example, CPA Australia.

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Networks in Higher Education

National Networks: For example, the OLT has supported four networks that have a national focus to their specific functions. See the OLT website for further details.Discipline Networks: Including sixteen discipline-based networks supported by the OLT. See the OLT website for further details.State Based Networks: For example, five OLT supported state-based networks focused on Promoting Excellence (grants, awards). See OLT website for further details.

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Benefits of Being Part of a Network

Building connections and professional networks beyond your institution and immediate colleagues.Gaining access to regular and structured opportunities for professional development such as conferences, webinars or structured workshops.

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Benefits of Being Part of a Network

Keeping up to date with current news, policy trends, publications and other developments specific to your discipline or interest.Leadership development and experience opportunities.Being able to contribute to the wider educational environment and discourse

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The Network of Australasian Tertiary Associations

Mission: To improve engagement and practice through network leadership.

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NATA Origins

Closure of the ALTC

ACODE and ascilite (Lead Associations)

OLT Networking Projects

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Network Complexities

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NATA Members

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Principles of Engagement

Collaborative Advantage

Strategic Alignment & Communication

Integrity

Sustainability

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Academic Associations

What networks are you or have you been a member of?

Why did you join?

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Academic Associations

What were the membership benefits?

Challenges regarding engagement?

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NATA Context

The diverse range of networks involved in the NATA ensured that the experiences and lessons are relevant

to a broad range of networks

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Research

Aims:Improve the effectiveness of communication and engagement with NATA members at largeEnable and support network leaders to encourage collaboration and increase membership engagementReview the utilisation of technologies to support best practice in network engagementFoster, encourage and support further network-based collaborative initiatives

An investigation into network leadership within established Australasian tertiary education

associations

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Research Details

Interviews with leaders of networks

Focus groups with executive members

Findings:

Focused on practical application

10 Principles for Good Practice in Network Leadership

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To establish higher level connections and gain access to knowledge and experience that can then benefit your local context.Be more informed about sectoral changes, challenges and opportunities.To more effectively pursue and support professional values or key causes.Use your skills and experience to contribute back to the sector – ‘taking your turn’.

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Why Take on a Leadership Role in your Network?

NATA Outputs: Leading Networks

Research informed principles and strategiesPractical resources on networking and network leadership

10 Principles

HERDSA guide

Partner Projects

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10 Principles for Network Leadership

1. Network leaders need to have strong personal networks to help inform/contextualise network practices and assist network dissemination.

2. Leaders need to have a focus on and clear understanding of the priorities and challenges for their association now and into the future.

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10 Principles for Network Leadership

3. The leaders of networks need to be cognisant of the needs and interests of their members so that activities and communication are relevant and offer value.

4. Network leaders need to understand the capacity of executive members and have realistic expectations regarding workloads and timeframes given the volunteer nature of their involvement.

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5. Executive members need to have clearly defined roles and responsibilities in order to foster ownership and provide a specific focus to their association-based activities.

6. The development of rapport between executive members is critical for effective functioning: face-to-face interaction can assist the establishment of working relationships, which can be strengthened through the use of communication technologies.

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10 Principles for Network Leadership

7. Systems need to be in place to ensure that association knowledge and experience are maintained, whilst new and innovative ideas are supported.

8. Networks require a culture of vibrancy and transparency if they are to be sustainable and maintain a healthy and engaged membership.

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10 Principles for Network Leadership

9. Communication needs to be fit for purpose both in mode and message: consistency and the appropriate use of technology can support a sense of connection and the development of a community of trust.

10. Establishing financial security enables strategic allocation of funds for activities aligned with association priorities.

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10 Principles for Network Leadership

Shelda’s DebowskiPresentation

Leading Academic Associations

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Lessons for Optimising Networks

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It is important to take the time and work with network partners to ensure that there is a clear and shared vision for the network.

The role of a critical friend is highly important as networks involve various parties, interests and tensions.

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Establishing regular and appropriate communication with key stakeholders is essential. Relevant communication and activity are vital for member engagement.

An effective and current web presence is essential. Effective dissemination underpins the success of networks.

Effective networks are based on collaboration and mutual value.

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It is important not to underestimate the importance of face-to-face meetings for developing relationships.

Understand and account for partner differences and similarities.

Succession planning is integral to maintaining continuity for network engagement.

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Questions

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Sharing Best Practice among Networks:

Learning from the experiences of other networks

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Partner Projects

ACODE ascilite CADAD HERDSA ODLAA

Engaging Network Members: A NATA case study of a Contemporary Tertiary Sector Issue

Guide to support and advance network engagement for members of professional associations and networks in the digital age.

Social Media as a Communication Strategy

Leading Academic Networks

Ubiquity Online

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CADAD Social Media Toolkit

Aim: To develop an online professional development toolkit that will support network members capability in the use and affordances of social media. 

Completed Outcomes: An online professional development tool kit for network members on how to engage with and incorporate a range of social media tools to enhance  professional connectivity.

https://sites.google.com/site/natacadadproject/home

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GPR on Technology-Enhanced Learning and Teaching (7093 views, 102 downloads)Networks and disseminationNetworks for influence

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Networks, Influence and Dissemination

eResources

Technology-enhanced learning and teaching

Student transition in higher education

Work integrated learning

Innovative Indigenous teaching and learning

Curriculum renewal

Professor Mike Keppell, Mr Gordon Suddaby & Ms Natasha Hard

Professor Trevor Gale & Dr Stephen Parker

Professor Janice Orrell

Professor Nereda White, Dr Jack Frawley & Ms Dang Thi Kim Anh

Dr Bhuva Narayan & Professor Sylvia Edwards

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eResources

Technology-enhanced learning and teachingProfessor Mike Keppell, Mr Gordon Suddaby & Ms Natasha Hard

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Sustainability

Discussions on issues regarding network sustainability Maintaining membership and engagement Communication Funding Relevance Balancing workloads ........

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Resources

NATA Brochure

HERDSA Guide, “Leading Academic Networks” by Shelda Debowski

Tips for leading academic networks. Key considerations across the life cycle of network leaders

http://www.slideshare.net/SheldaDebowski/tips-for-leading-academic-networks-deboswki-2013

CADAD Social Media Toolkit https://sites.google.com/site/natacadadproject/home

NATA Short Report

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http://www.nataonthenet.blogspot.com.au/

NATA Website

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Summary

Strategies for making networks workNetworks & connections are increasingly importantUnderstanding different networks in HEWidely applicable lessonsSharing best practice among networksUnderstanding how to lead networks Taking on a leadership role in your networkPractical resources on networking & network leadershipMaximising influence within the sector.

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