Enhancing Knowledge Sharing Between Educational Portals

Abstract: Information and knowledge in exchange in public networks is a crucial challenge that needs to be overcome in order to consolidate the benefits associated with such structures. We study the impact of the nature of the information exchanged over the possibilities of success of this process, basing ourselves on the analysis of the information produced by the members of the Network of National Educational Portals. One of the main challenges that the Network of National Educational Portals faces consists in finding effective ways of sharing information that can promote knowledge transfer between members of the network. We argue that a key factor that prevents information sharing is the use of performance metrics by portal responsibles to evaluate the results of their decisions. These metrics are highly sensitive, context-dependent, and produced through non-standardized methods, all of which reduce the willingness of knowledge sharing. We present a different approach: based on the Network of National Educational Portals case, we propose creating a comprehensive information system aimed at providing reliable and timely information in a systematic fashion. We believe that adopting standardized procedures and indicators of less sensitive nature, we can produce information for all partners without the shortcomings of the usual practices.