The Scattergram as a Learning Social Networking System.

We are in the midst of a very interesting experiment in social networking using a "Scattergram" model.  Our Learning 2005 participants have created profiles with their background and interests in learning issues and "things I am seeking".  When they set up their profile, they chose words from 4 different tabs, shown below.

The system takes these words and then searches for other profiles that have similar word choices and relative importance. The closest 500 matches are then returned and drawn as pins in the scattergam. You are the pin in the middle. The closer the pin is to you, the closer the match. You are matched to all the different types in the system, which typically will include not only people but also sessions and articles. These types have different pin colors. (In your system, sessions and articles are not yet activated.) In this manner, you can see all of the things that might interest you in the system, from people with whom you have a lot in common to sessions matching your interests, and articles containing knowledge that you might find fascinating.

Each quadrant represents one of the four tabs. You can see this more clearly by selecting the Connections/Search/resources tab, shown below at the tip of the arrow.

 

Which brings up this view:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can hover over a pin, and a balloon will pop up with a picture, if there is one uploaded, along with the name of the person or item. Clicking on the pin will open their introCard, and you can learn more about the profile associated with that pin. There is built-in messaging system that allows you to send a message to these new colleagues.

It has been fascinating to see hundreds of learning professionals use this visual representation of "learning matches" to find and connect with new colleagues.

This system is developed by IntroNetworks and will be a major tool for the Learning 2005 participants for the next year.