Workshop on Knowledge Ecologies Projects
You can save this page as a text file and add your comments directly, then save it. Give a copy to the writer, so your comments can be used for revising the draft. First spend some time reviewing the project to gain an overview. Then focus on the key issues below. Make notes in a text file for the most significant issues, and turn it in to the teacher folder. The author can then take a copy to use as a reference while revising.
1. Topic. Is it clear what knowledge ecology is being addressed? Does it seem to have the features of a knowledge ecology? What suggestions do you have for the author to help define the knowledge ecology for readers?
2. Overview. Is there an overview that introduces the knowledge ecology and provides a functional description to orient readers? What other information might authors provide to help readers understand how the ecosystem works?
3. Information resources. Is it clear what kinds of information are part of the ecology, and how they become transformed into knowledge that can be used? Can you suggest other sources of information that might play a role in the process? Can you think of other ways that knowledge might be developed by participants?
4. Purpose of the project. Is it clear what kinds of problems or issues the project addresses? Does the project offer to solve certain problems, support a process, or expand the capabilities of the participants? Do the problems or issues seem significant enough to concern participants? Do you have any suggestions about how the author might frame the problems or issues more effectively?
5. Effectiveness of the project. In your view, would the project or prototype be effective in resolving the problems or issues it is intended for?
6. Obstacles to implementation. Can you think of potential difficulties or resistance in implementing the project within the existing ecosystem? There are many ways such difficulties could be resolved, of course: training programs, hiring new staff, or other solutions. However, bearing in mind problems such as those in Nardi and O'Day's hospital example, it is helpful to think about some of the consequences of implementing a project. You don't have to know how to resolve them, but you should bring them to the attention of the author.
7. Organization, navigation, and style. Is the material well organized? Is it easy to navigate through the project and find information as needed? Is the style appropriate to the particular knowledge ecology being addressed? Can you make suggestions for improving organization, navigation, and style?
8. Correctness. Of course these are drafts, and we do not expect perfection at this stage! However, as you revise, bear in mind the public nature of these projects and remember to carefully proofread the work on the final revision. Surface errors of grammar, mechanics, and spelling can destroy your credibility for the audiences you most want to reach. You may be extremely knowledgeable and very well-prepared, with a dazzling presentation, but you will undermine the whole effect if you do not attend to these finishing touches