ICT and Knowledge Construction: Towards New Features For The Socio-Technical Approach

This paper introduces socio-technical theory related to the author’s experiences with the use of web sites and information systems for research and teaching. The results of the experiences are analyzed paying special attention to knowledge construction and development at three different levels: individuals, communities and organizations (society). Hypotheses for the explanation of the observed phenomena are discussed. It is shown that the most relevant effects for ICT (Information Communication Technology) influence on the classes involved are: a) an improvement in the knowledge construction and induction of meaningful learning in students, in relation to the construction of Communities of Learners and Communities of Practice; b) the introduction of new hypotheses for the structure of the SECI model for knowledge evolution in learning organizations; and c) a transfer of knowledge management strategies in the construction of scientific knowledge. The paper also supplies a revision of the well known socio-technical approaches for analysing and explaining sub-systems dependences and influences in organizations.