The dimensions of context
In my last post I included excerpts of a paper I have written looking at the development of a Work Oriented MoBile Learning environment (WOMBLE). One of my main interests in such a system is the ability to support contextual learning in different environments. However that poses the problem of developing a model of context. And, I think, such a model needs to be based on a true ontology, rather than merely developing taxonomical lists of, for instance, different competences.
Last night I was discussing this in the pub (a rich contextual environment for learning!) with my friend and colleague Pekka Kamarainen. he came up with the following model – which he calls ‘dimensions of contextual images’ – based on the work of the German sociologist, Ritsert.
Pekka identified three main dimensions of context:
- location
- social meaning
- horizons of practice
Each of these dimensions can be further divided into three categories:
- normal
- extended
- transformative
Taking the dimension of practice this could be developed along the following schema:
- Normal – what I do in this location
- extended – what are the rules and norms which apply in this location
- transformative = what could be done in another way
Similarly for social meaning:
- normal- everyday life meanings
- extended – citizenship or societal meaning
- transformative – potentials for societal change
And for practice:
- normal – what do I do knowing the basic tenets and operations of this practice
- extended – what do I know about this practice as a more holistic design
- transformative – how can this practice be transformed
I am aware that it all sounds a little abstract. But I think such a model could form the basis for an advanced learning design, capable of being implemented through mobile, ambient and context aware devices.
