Three Core Properties

 

Openly Networked: (click for the PLE map)

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The social media explosion over the past decade has had a direct and significant impact on education – learning happens constantly in a networked and collective manner and the user is in control of the amount and manner of information they receive (Nussbaum-Beach & Hall, 2012).

 

For a PLE to be effective there should be multiple points of entry across cross-institutional networks (Ito et al., 2013). Kollabora has multiple platforms within which users can connect – as described earlier, the website (which is free-of-charge to access) states they attract thousands of active users every day with a total of 4 million being reached over its lifetime. Their Facebook page attracts 23.5k followers, the Kollabora YouTube channel has a less impressive 1700 subscribers, however, individual videos can attract up to 260 000 views due to Kollabora’s connection with the maker’s and DIY communities. As can be seen below, the YouTube channel shows a variety of DIY skills on display, from manual workshop skills to crafting and sewing.

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Additionally, Kollabora spreads its network through Instagram with 5.5k followers (and a common platform for competition posting, as described in Shared Purpose) and Twitter with 3.5k followers and 5k likes. Cross platform connection to Pinterest greatly extends the accessibility to content and connection with users, with 61.5k followers (and more than 40k pins) and the claim of 3.5 million views each month. Hashtags and digital links further connect these various platforms. The final two design principals – everything is connected and everyone can participate (Ito et al., 2013) directly relate to how openly networked Kollabora is and how transparent and connected the content and users are with each other.

 

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