e-Learning and Communities, Supporting the Circulation of Knowledge Pieces

Abstract

The life cycle of knowledge decreases dramatically. This influences both, the business life, namely in technical science and the cooperation in virtual communities. While human resources departments look for well developed, process based concepts to identify, plan, and carry out high level qualification according to enterprise’s current needs, communities use electronic support to create, share, store and archive their knowledge.

In the past further education was driven by expensive presence seminars. Today a wide range of computer-aided multi-media applications are available, which allow distance learning, even in virtual groups. Multiple criteria are taken into consideration to create efficient and more and more modular curricula.

Elements like Computer and Web Based Training, Virtual Classrooms and Multi-media Content Data Bases are brought together with Knowledge Management techniques, using Internet technology to create an environment, which can be accessed by an easy to handle customized, personal portal anywhere and anytime. This contribution will emphasize multiple views, including learning concepts, technical components and platform development.