Major similarities and differences between tacit and explicit knowledge

respond to the following:

Compare and contrast the major similarities and differences between tacit and explicit knowledge. Then, determine the two most effective and the two most ineffective dissemination mechanisms in a virtual learning environment for each type of knowledge. Justify your response.

Full Answer Section

   
Characteristic Tacit Knowledge Explicit Knowledge
Difficulty of articulation Difficult Easy
Mode of acquisition Experience Formal instruction
Nature of knowledge Personal, subjective, and contextual Objective and universal
Examples How to ride a bike, how to play a musical instrument, how to diagnose a disease The rules of arithmetic, the laws of physics, the historical facts of the American Civil War

Dissemination Mechanisms for Tacit and Explicit Knowledge in a Virtual Learning Environment

There are a variety of dissemination mechanisms that can be used to disseminate tacit and explicit knowledge in a virtual learning environment (VLE). Some of the most common dissemination mechanisms include:

  • Asynchronous communication tools: Asynchronous communication tools, such as discussion forums, email, and wikis, allow learners to interact with each other and with instructors at their own pace. This can be helpful for disseminating tacit knowledge, as learners have time to reflect on their experiences and formulate their thoughts before sharing them with others.
  • Synchronous communication tools: Synchronous communication tools, such as video conferencing and chat, allow learners to interact with each other and with instructors in real time. This can be helpful for disseminating explicit knowledge, as learners can ask questions and get immediate feedback.
  • Multimedia content: Multimedia content, such as videos, images, and simulations, can be used to disseminate both tacit and explicit knowledge. Multimedia content can be particularly helpful for disseminating tacit knowledge, as it can provide learners with a concrete example of how to do something.

The Two Most Effective Dissemination Mechanisms for Tacit Knowledge in a VLE

The two most effective dissemination mechanisms for tacit knowledge in a VLE are:

  • Discussion forums: Discussion forums allow learners to share their experiences and insights with each other. This can help learners to learn from each other and to develop their own tacit knowledge.
  • Case studies: Case studies present learners with real-world scenarios and ask them to apply their knowledge to solve problems. This can help learners to develop their tacit knowledge and to learn how to apply it in practical situations.

The Two Most Ineffective Dissemination Mechanisms for Tacit Knowledge in a VLE

The two most ineffective dissemination mechanisms for tacit knowledge in a VLE are:

  • Lectures: Lectures are typically one-way communication tools that do not allow for much interaction between learners and instructors. This makes them ineffective for disseminating tacit knowledge, which requires active engagement and reflection.
  • Textbooks: Textbooks are typically written in a formal style and do not provide much context for the information that they present. This makes them ineffective for disseminating tacit knowledge, which is often contextual and difficult to articulate explicitly.

The Two Most Effective Dissemination Mechanisms for Explicit Knowledge in a VLE

The two most effective dissemination mechanisms for explicit knowledge in a VLE are:

  • Lectures: Lectures can be effective for disseminating explicit knowledge, as they allow instructors to present a large amount of information in a relatively short amount of time. However, it is important for instructors to use a variety of teaching methods and to provide opportunities for learners to interact with the material.
  • Readings: Readings, such as articles and book chapters, can be effective for disseminating explicit knowledge, as they provide learners with a detailed and comprehensive explanation of a topic. However, it is important for instructors to choose readings that are appropriate for the level of the learners and to provide opportunities for learners to discuss and reflect on what they have read.

The Two Most Ineffective Dissemination Mechanisms for Explicit Knowledge in a VLE

The two most ineffective dissemination mechanisms for explicit knowledge in a VLE are:

  • Discussion forums: Discussion forums are not ideal for disseminating explicit knowledge, as they can be time-consuming and can lead to learners getting off track.
  • Case studies: Case studies are not ideal for disseminating explicit knowledge

Sample Answer

     

Tacit and explicit knowledge are two different types of knowledge that are important for learning and development. Tacit knowledge is knowledge that is difficult to articulate and communicate explicitly. It is often acquired through experience and is closely tied to personal skills and abilities. Explicit knowledge, on the other hand, is knowledge that can be easily articulated and communicated. It is often found in books, articles, and other written materials.

Here is a table that summarizes the major similarities and differences between tacit and explicit knowledge: