The Technical and Social Dimensions of Knowledge Management

"Emphasis on technology alone will achieve little progress toward knowledge management, but even the strongest commitment to knowledge management that is not supported by robust technology will not succeed." (Serban and Luan, 2002, p.2)

"KM Systems are a blend of both technical and social mechanisms that enable the effective creation and transmission of knowledge assests to take place. (Bain and Swan, 2011, p.683)

The technical dimension aims at "capturing, packaging, and distributing tangible, documented products" (p.26), and the social dimension aims at "enabling collaboration, connection, and reflection among system users" (p.26). (Marshall and Rossett, 2000)

In order to enhance the capacity of knowledge management in the process of learning, one should consider both the technical and social dimensions. Learning through the use of technology could not be the most effective if there is a lack of human participation and interaction. Therefore, educators should focus on both the quality of the technological support and the learning support from teachers and peers. In the traditional way of learning, learning support from teachers was often associated with direct instructions, face-to-face consultation or lectures, and teacher as a source of learning materials. With the fast emergence of the use of technology in learning and the new concept of knowledge management, there seems to be some changes to our understanding and the actual practice of supporting learning, instead of direct instructions, teachers might find building a supportive learning atmosphere, understanding and responding to learners' interest and needs, encouraging interaction among learners more applicable nowadays.

Reference:
Bain, A., and Swan, G. (2011). Technology enhanced feedback tools as a knowledge management mechanism for supporting professional growth and school reform. Education Tech Research Dev, 59, p.673-685.

Marshall, J., & Rossett, A. (2000). In J.M. Spector & T.M. Anderson (Eds.), Knowledge management for school-based educators. Integrated and holistic perspectives on learning, instruction and technology: Understanding complexity. Boston, MA: Kluwer Academic Publishers.

Serban, A.M., & Luan, J. (2002). Overview of knowledge management. New Directions for Institutional Research, 113, p.5-16.