Student reflections on the integration of Knowledge Forum as ‘equipment’ for knowledge building practice

Abstract

This study investigates the digital, media and information literacy (DMIL) practices that student developed through engagement with Knowledge Forum (KF), a platform designed to facilitate knowledge building dialogues. Participants included 73 students enrolled in a DMIL course in a University in the UK. The dataset comprised reflective essays submitted by students, analyzed thematically to examine perceptions and patterns of engagement with KF. Findings show that students appreciated the mesh structure of KF views, and
how it facilitated idea diversity. Findings also show that students demonstrated higher levels of community discourse around design ideas, particularly in comparison with previous course iterations. Evidence of how students came to understand knowledge building principles through the way they integrated KF into their practice is discussed.