Collaborative Learning about Forest Understory Restoration and Management: Identifying Goals and Sharing Knowledge

Abstract

Ecosystem services provided by forests (e.g., nutrient cycling) are critical in midwestern landscapes. We conducted collaborative workshops with forest landowners and management professionals using specific strategies to provide information about nutrient dynamics in forests and learn about goals/obstacles for forest management in Iowa. Preparticipation surveys assessed knowledge and goals and postparticipation surveys measured learning and potential for forest management. Landowners' goals included conservation, aesthetics, recreation, and water quality, whereas lack of management activities (e.g., harvesting), insufficient funding, and invasive species were cited as obstacles. Education and restoration of ecosystem integrity were identified as means to achieve goals. The collaborative learning framework contributed to increased participant knowledge about ecosystem structure/ function and plans for invasive species control, timber stand improvement, and restoration of desirable species. Facilitators learned that resources on invasive species management, as well as "easy-to-use" information about understory plants, would support additional restoration education and action.

Barriers and benefits of using social networking sites versus face-to-face meetings for sharing knowledge in professional societies

“…Even though several empirical studies have been carried out on individuals' use of SNS (such as Chen (2013), Chang and Zhu (2011), Kim et al (2010), and Ridings and Gefen (2004)), very limited research has been conducted oin its use by non-profit organizations, such as professional societies. Knowledge sharing is a core process for professional societies' development (Gerken Golay et al, 2014;Kagan et al, 2015;Kind and Evans, 2015), and the use of SNS and social media is becoming very popular in these organizations (Thompson et al, 2008;Rutter and Duncan, 2011). Thus, the results of this study add value to researchers and practitioners using social networking sites in professional societies and group collaboration.…”

“…Knowledge sharing is a core process in professional society as the aim of any professional society is to share knowledge among professionals in a specific domain to benefit the domain and the society (Gerken Golay et al, 2014;Kagan et al, 2015;Kind and Evans, 2015). One of the popular traditional mechanisms for sharing knowledge is a face-to-face meeting.…”

“…Communicating knowledge and information is one of the main activities of group work (Pinelle and Gutwin, 2003). Gerken Golay et al(2014) show that sharing knowledge through collaborative learning (such as workshops) improves individuals' (i.e. landowners, foresters, and urban park managers) learning, decision making, and actions to enhance forest ecosystem functions/services.…”