Networking Research: New Directions in Educational Enquiry

The educational world is increasingly dominated by ‘network rhetoric'; not only are teachers and learners seen as participants in networks, the availability of low-cost electronic devices, collaborative environments and new forms of data ‘born digital' have changed the nature of education research. How can researchers and research-informed practitioners best engage in and with networks and develop effective networking practices? How might networks and networking be conceptualized in order to frame and support their work in and on networks? How do networks relate to existing organizational forms and how might new networking practices emerge? This book draws on extensive research into educational research networks in schools, colleges and informal education settings to explore these questions. Carmichael combines theoretical insights into networks from different disciplinary backgrounds and awareness of technological developments, with the accounts of teachers, researchers, and technologists. He considers how educational research as a field is changing, how individual and collective research capacities might develop, identifies new research approaches and discusses the emerging role of the ‘researcher-networker'.

Table of Contents:
Introduction 1. Educational Research, Capacity Building and Networking 2. A Closer Look at Networks and Networking 3. Using Educational Research Networks 4. Supporting Educational Research Networks 5. Researching Educational Research Networks 6. Emerging Themes and Future Directions References Index of Authors Index of Terms

About the Author :
Patrick Carmichael is Professor of Educational Research at Liverpool John Moores University, UK.

Review :
‘Amidst the banal talk these days about networks as though they are inevitable in teacher practice, professional learning, technology and research, here at last is an informative and critical discussion. Carmichael offers a clear map through the multifarious forms, perspectives and uses of networking practices, and thoughtful approaches for those struggling with the ‘ducking and diving' processes of researching in, and about, networks in education.' Tara Fenwick, Professor of Education, University of Stirling, UK ‘Patrick Carmichael has offered us a remarkable tour de force on the nature and role of networks and networking in educational research. The book provides a superb synthesis of social theory, original empirical research and personal expertise that will guide the debate and thinking on research capacity building for many years to come.' Dean Garratt, Reader in Education, Faculty of Education and Children's Services, University of Chester, UK