If you’re living in the modern world, chances are you’ve had some experience with the various forms of social media that are prevalent today. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest are just a few of the platforms that people commonly use to convey messages, ideas, thoughts, and feelings. One of the many reasons as to why social media is so ingrained in today’s society is the fact of how easy it is to use, and how effective it is at conveying one’s thoughts. If one wants to check their facebook, all they need do is open the application on their mobile device, or go to the website on their computer.

Resources, time, and skill

In order to use social media, one must have a certain degree of computer literacy. That being said, from personal experience that requirement isn’t very onerous – even my computer-wary grandmother uses facebook! Another aspect to keep in mind is the willingness to actually use the social media in the first place. Some people may be reluctant to use online platforms due to privacy concerns.

Key Considerations

With advances in technology and the ability for general consumers to use social media, many organizations are putting efforts into their social media campaigns. It isn’t unheard of that whole occupational positions are dedicated to managing a companies social media ��network. That being said there are a few considerations that should be taken into account when using social media. Privacy is a big concern – with everything being online it is generally a good idea to go through several layers of editing before something is posted to the public. This will ensure that sensitive information and unintentional offensive messaging isn’t being posted. Furthermore, social media may not be the vehicle warranted for your KM strategy – if something is of a sensitive nature perhaps more formal routes of KM are needed.

Incorporating social media��into your KMb

In order to incorporate social media into your KMb you need to decide what type of message you want to disseminate and what type of medium that message would need to be in. For example, platforms such as Instagram utilize solely images. In this case perhaps infographics would be best used. If short bursts of information are needed, then Twitter is an option as it excels in piquing people’s interests quickly and effectively. If you want a platform that is able to do a bit of each of these things then perhaps initiating a facebook page for you KMb activities is warranted.

The take away

Social media is an excellent way to disseminate information as it is relatively easy to use and widely adopted by the general population. That being said, the message you are wanting to spread, and the audience you intend to target need to be taken into account when deciding to incorporate social media into you KMb activities.

Resources

Here are a list of resources if you are interested in setting up a social media platform for your KMb strategy:

• http://www.facebook.com
• http://www.instagram.com
• http://www.pinterest.com
• http://www.twitter.com

One of the oldest forms of knowledge mobilization is the written language. By definition, the modern practice of history begins with written language with the oldest form of writing dating from 5500 BCE. Today, modern forms of writing often come in the form of prints. These prints can be in the form of a variety of differing presentations. For example, common forms of print include policy briefs, newspapers, magazines, books, and journal articles.

Unlike other forms of media which often require the quick dissemination of information (like radio or television advertisements) print media can usually incorporate more detail. Finally, Print media is an easy way to spread awareness in a geographical location (e.g., local newspaper).

Resources, time, and skill

As with any form of communication, the efficacy of printed communications in providing clear messages depends on the skill of the person/organization trying to send that message. Things to keep in mind when using print as a form of knowledge mobilization:

• Messages should be clear, and the reader should leave with an understanding of what they read, and be able to use this information for action (e.g., decision-making).
• Print media normally allows you to control your own advertising space such as the size of the ad and the location.
• Depending on the medium used, time can vary. For example, book preparation and production may take months, while preparation and production of newspapers may take a few hours.
• Print media is generally cost effective.

Key Considerations

Whether it be online or in physical paper copies, the message you are trying to convey may sometimes get lost among the mass of other messages bombarding a population at any given time. In addition, print such as newspapers and magazines have a short lifespan, with many people throwing them out or only reading them for a day or two. Although printed messages have the ability to host large amounts of information, this must be weighed with the benefits of having concise messaging.

Incorporating print into your KMb

You most definitely have used print in your knowledge mobilization strategies. As such you probably know that print media has unlimited exposure and are non-invasive. As opposed to television and radio which have time limits and may interrupt regular programming which may be of annoyance. Print media allows you to target specific audiences with your ads or articles. For example, magazines are normally highly specialized (e.g., fashion, science, real estate). This allows you to tailor your messages to your audiences. Depending on your goals and budget, print media can be used in conjunction with other techniques such as radio, television, or social media to achieve greater awareness.

The take away

One of the oldest methods of conveying messages, printed communications can be applied through a variety of differing techniques and mediums. One should keep in mind that when using printed communications for KMb, messages should be clear, and leave the reader with knowledge that they can use for action.

Resources

Examples

• Video abstracts tend to be 1-4 minutes, and allow the authors of an academic paper to personally explain their work to a broader audience.
• Video abstracts maximize engagement and visibility by allowing authors to combine filming themselves with images, animations and laboratory experiments to explain their research paper.
• Video abstracts should tell a story, rather than a regurgitation of facts. They should convey the researcher’s interest and excitement.
• More journals are accepting video abstracts (e.g., New Journal of Physics, Cell, Elsevier).

Resources, time, and skill

• A video abstract can be created with a simple laptop camera and have the researcher summarize their research.
• ��More complex video abstracts can use visuals or animations (free software such as Paint, Pant.NET, or Windows Movie Maker may be used). Use the best quality camera possible.
• ��Depending on the complexity of the video abstract, the amount of time, resources and skill will vary.

Key Considerations

Video abstracts are not meant to replace a text-based article, but rather to enhance the understanding (e.g., explanation of complex methods, or technical aspects) of the research. Just as text-based abstracts provide a preview of the article to allow the reader to determine to purchase or download the article, the same applies to a video abstract, except through images, animations, and sounds.

Incorporating webinars in your KMb

• Video abstracts are a great way to reach other audiences that may not be directly involved in your research field.
• Video abstracts can be a way for research to have an immediate impact on students, colleagues, and/or other researchers by streamlining, and increasing visibility and access to the research.
• These informative and accessible communication products may be appreciated or required by funding agencies.

The take away

• Video abstracts maximize engagement with viewers, allowing researchers to explain complex concepts, thereby reaching more diverse audiences.
  

Resources

(step by step guide with additional resources)

Examples

(examples are on the right pane)

Video Editing Software

(freeware, usually comes with your machine)

(Not free, but does offer a free trial)

Graphic Editing Software

(freeware)

(freeware)

(Not free, but does offer a free trial)

Resources, time, and skill

Just like any tool used to portray a message, a certain level of resources, time, and skill is required to utilize, graphic, visual, performance arts. However, the amount of resources, time, and skill that needs to be expended depends on the medium and message you choose to use. For example, it can be argued that a photograph used to elicit a certain emotional response will be far easier to obtain than an interpretive dance recital used to the same end.

Key considerations

The main aspect that needs to be considered when employing the use of graphic, visual, and performance arts is whether or not the use of such tools are warranted given the message being portrayed. Although such tools are great at catching the attention of the masses given their “out of the box” nature, if a truly complex message needs to be disseminated a more straightforward approach may be needed.

The take away

Graphic, visual, and performance arts are a novel way to disseminate knowledge because they capture the attention of people and present them a message while allowing the freedom of personal interpretation. The use of such a KM tool depends highly on the message being disseminated.

Other resources

The following is a list of other resources and services related Graphic/Visual/Performance Arts that you may be interested in:

• Meggs, Phillip B. “Graphic Design.” Encyclopædia Britannica. 2010. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 26 Oct. 2010<http://www.britannica.in the Graphic Arts and Computer Graphics (Career Resource Library). June 2000. New York: Rosen Publishing Group, 1999.
• . Buzzle.com.
• Carlson, Marvin (1998 (first 1996)).Performance: A Critical Introduction. London and New York: Routledge. pp.��1, 2.��.

• Webinars use the internet to share knowledge with people in different cities, countries, or even continents.

• People can access them from anywhere.

• Webinars can be interactive including polls, question and answers, and dialogue.

• Participants can also connect and contribute through chat forums.

• Presentations can be saved and made available for additional users.

Resources, time, and skill

• Although not required, you may want to have an opt-in registration page. Registration is useful because it gives a sense of the size, and diversity of the audience, and may connect with them later to provide follow-up resources, or to participate in on-going conversation. Freeware such as wordpress may be used to build this page.

• There needs to be a mail-service that allows for participant tracking and to send out details about the webinar (e.g., freeware such as Mailchimp).

• Lastly, a webinar platform is needed in order for participants to hear, see, and interact with the presenter. Webinar software can either be free (Anymeeting), or paid through a subscription model (e.g., GoToWebinar and Adobe Connect are the most popular paid version. Typically, paid versions offer more features such as custom branding, better security, webinar recording abilities, etc).

Key Considerations

Be mindful of your organization’s use of technology. Some people may not be experienced with using webinar software or technology in general. Weigh the pros and cons of using webinar

software. Ask questions such as “will webinars benefit our organization?” “Will implementation be met with a negative response?” “How big will the learning curve be?”.

Incorporating webinars in your KMb

• Webinars can be a great way to keep your organization up-to-date if there are difficulties trying to arrange in-person meetings.

• Webinars can be used as a training tool.

• Webinars can be a way to present research findings to different people across cities or countries.

• Webinars can be used to support collective thinking for a geographically dispersed group

��The take away

• Webinars are a great way to engage participants from different locations all over the world, when face-face communication is not feasible due to time, travel, and/or costs.

• ��Webinars can be created with freeware and takes little time to set up.

��Resources

Examples

Software Examples

(freeware)

(subscription)

Resources, time, and skill

Like many KM techniques, Face to Face meetings depend largely on the individual implementing such a technique. Interpersonal skills such as building rapport, having charisma, and general speaking are just some of the skills required in order to successfully implement a face to face interaction.

Key considerations

Given the personal level of interaction associated with speaking with someone directly, there are many benefits associated with face to face interactions. Research has shown that situations that require coordination, consensus, timing and persuasion are best addressed using face to face interactions. Also, face to face meetings have been shown to provide the best outcomes when important business contracts are in play, when interviews for job positions need to be conducted and when the absorption and retention of information is needed.

The take away

Although many types of techniques for connecting with others are at your disposal, traditional methods of interaction like face to face interactions are often the best way to accomplish specific tasks. However, the extent to which someone is successful in implementing such a strategy often depends on the person themselves. Interpersonal skills lie at the heart of any human interactions; better “people skills” often translates to better face to face meetings and associated opportunities.

Other resources

The following is a list of other resources and services related to face to face interactions that you may be interested in:

• Storytelling may take many different forms (e.g., written, oral, video, drawings)
• Storytelling is good for sharing knowledge, values, and creating emotional connection among the recipients.
• Stories are memorable via the availability heuristic, and through elaboration (ability to create a vivid image)
• Embeds tacit knowledge and values in narrative form.
• Not good for sharing critical skills.

Resources, time, and skill

• Depends on the individual. There are a few ways to practice to become better at storytelling. Good storytellers:
  • Take experiences and form them into stories.
  • Articulate stories in an eventful and memorable way. Usually by providing listeners with insights or examples of project issues/outcomes. This allows for a Q&A between storyteller and listener.

Key Considerations

“Tell me a story, please.” Remember the asking, the feeling of anticipation, of possibility, the satisfaction of having understood. Connection to deeper meaning, exploring of new worlds or concepts, the sense of authentic human emotion combine to make storytelling a vital contribution to KMb. Storytelling as means of knowledge sharing and cultural transmission is deeply ingrained in being human.

What makes a story compelling, illustrative, meaningful, and effective?: authentic emotion, relevance to the audience, draws a vivid picture that illustrates a point, creates a question, or gives the listener the opportunity to see the world from a different perspective.

Incorporating storytelling in your KMb

• Use storytelling to connect and engage, to illustrate key points or issues, to demonstrate the relevance of the knowledge to a situation.
• Observe storytellers. For those that engage you, what were the critical factors that made it work? For those that leave you cold what were the factors? Analyse the aspects that made it work, and try to incorporate them into their story.
• Create your story, then practice it, share with colleagues, observe the response, and get feedback, tape yourself and review it.
• Think about your target audience. What aspects of your story will connect with their reality?

The take away

• Effective stories have authenticity, context, focus, meaning, and are memorable.

Resources:

Examples:

I am sure that at some point in your professional or academic career a meeting was scheduled but one or more of those involved were unable to attend. Whereas in the past a person missing the meeting would have to follow up with meeting minutes or otherwise be informed of what was covered, now a variety of tools can be used to connect people in different parts across the world. One of these tools includes the use of virtual meetings. Virtual meetings are real-time conversations and interactions that use the internet to connect people in differing places. These meetings can be in the form of text-based instant messaging, they can be voice-based conference calls, or fully audio-visual in the form of video calls.

Along with the ability to interact face-to-face with people around the world, many virtual conference services allow one to share computer screens and/or allow for multiple people to work on a document while the meeting is taking place. Such a feature mimics how an in-person meeting would take place, with one person presenting material to those in the meeting, while allowing others to critique or make changes on that material.

Furthermore, many virtual meeting services allow for administrative control. For example, the individual running the virtual meeting would be able to control who speaks at a given time. Such a feature would cut back on the amount of cross-talk and/or off topic conversations that often creep into an in-person meeting.

Resources, time, and skill

Like many knowledge mobilization techniques, certain resources and time as well as a certain level of skill is needed in order for virtual meetings to work effectively. The resources associated with virtual meetings are related to the service or medium in which the meeting is taking place. For example, if one were to host a meeting using Big Blue Button, a meeting attendee would simply need to call into the meeting in order to attend. However, if one were to host a meeting using Second Life, a meeting attendee would need to download the game client and its associated plugins, have reliable high-speed access to the internet, and have a moderate familiarity with on-line gameplay.

Key considerations

Although the use of virtual meetings can be a powerful tool to connect individuals seeking to meet online from remote locations, there are some key considerations that must be taken into account. For example, although individuals from differing areas can connect online, virtual meetings would be a poor choice if one or more of the individuals wishing to meet lack internet connectivity. Similarly, the infrastructure available to a person who wishes to partake in a virtual meeting must be taken into account if such a meeting is to be successful. Relatively powerful computer hardware and software as well as moderately fast internet connection speeds are needed in order for virtual meetings to take place.

Furthermore, the technological prowess of the individuals seeking to connect online could prove to be another potential barrier to virtual meetings. If someone is unable to understand or is unwilling to learn how virtual meetings work, they will be unable to participate.

Finally, time zone differences must be taken into consideration when hosting a virtual meeting. For example, a meeting taking place at 8:30PM Eastern Standard Time in Ontario, Canada would have to take place at 10:30AM the following day in Japan.

The take away

Virtual meetings are powerful tools that enable people to connect via online interactions. They are applicable in the academic, professional and personal setting. Indeed, virtual meetings can be used to connect with distant family and friends, allowing one to interact face-to-face with others. For example, face-to-face virtual meetings have allowed members of the Deaf community to interact using Sign Language.

That being said, virtual meetings may not be the best choice when some of the individuals involved in the meeting fail to have access to a computer and the internet. In these cases, accommodations to meet in-person or using telephone conference calls may be best.

Other resources

The following is a list of other resources and services related to virtual meetings:

• 7 things you should know about virtual meetings – a pdf document outlining many of the pros and cons to virtual conferencing:
• Web conferencing wiki – Wikipedia’s entry on virtual meetings:
• Big Blue Button – a free virtual conference service that accommodates both online and telephone conferencing with the ability to share screens amongst multiple people:
• Skype – a video conference service that allows for face-to-face video meetings between individuals in different locations around the world:
• GoToMeeting – a web conferencing tool that allows multiple people to interact via online and telephone connections:

Have you ever found yourself needing to relay a large amount or complex pieces of information in a concise and efficient manner? If so, infographics may be one of the many tools available to do so. As the name may suggest this week’s technique , infographics, employs the use of graphic elements in order to present information to a particular audience.

Although not formally named as such, infographics have been in use for a lengthy period of time, often being used in scientific books and�� maps as early as the 1600s. Since then, their utility has expanded from academia and cartography�� to include any discipline or area needing to relay knowledge. As an everyday example, newspapers often use infographics to present the weather, show current stock rates, and�� analyze the outcome of sport events.

Resources, time, and skill

One of the attractions to using infographics as a way to mobilize knowledge is their ease of use. With little effort, a visually appealing and informative graphic can be made either by hand or using a variety of online tools. For example, that took a relatively short period of time.

Infographics are only limited by the ingenuity of the individual that is creating them.

Key considerations

The utility of infographics lie in their ability to display complex knowledge in a simple way. However, sometimes a particular piece of knowledge needs to remain complex and not be distilled in any way in order to remain�� informative. For example, if a novel new technology is being researched, the findings associated with that research are probably best disseminated through lengthy papers as opposed to an infographic. This way the�� subtle nuances associated with that research are not lost.

Furthermore, the target audience of the infographic should be taken into consideration before the design. The language used within the infographic should cater to that audience (there’s no sense using jargon that your audience doesn’t understand). Also, the infographic should be memorable in some way. The use of impactful content and visually appealing displays help with this. Finally, the infographic shouldn’t overwhelm the reader. Simple messages are easier to remember and thus are more impactful on the reader.

The take away

Companies and organizations can establish and align their goals through the use of infographics. For example, an infographic could be used to represent a Theory of�� Change, detailing the paths of knowledge used in each part of that organization. Furthermore, infographics could be used as a means to disseminate knowledge between groups within an organization. Furthermore, infographics may be used in order to raise awareness on an issue; by first gathering the attention of a reader, then directing them to more detailed sources of information such as a policy brief or a research paper.

The following is an infographic on how to create ��and the by R Alwis, C Evans, S Karmali, M Maheru, & D Sriram (2014).

Other resources

• 5 infographics that teach you how to make infographics:
• 10 awesome free tools to make infographics:
• LinkedIn Cooperation. (2014). Infographics Analyze, Evaluate, Synthesize. Retrieved from:
• Graham, F. (2012, April 16). Pretty pictures: Can images stop data overload?. Retrieved from
• Gardner, O. (2012, October 20). An infographic is worth a thousand stats. Retrieved from

• Gamification is defined as the use of game mechanics, style or design techniques to accomplish a goal. E.g., learning games, raising awareness of social justice issues.
• ��Gamification works when it is engaging, players are motivated to “win” the game, seek to satisfy their curiosity, and because it is fun!
• ��Gamification can be applied to any subject, discipline or topic, therefore making it a very versatile knowledge mobilization technique.

Resources, time, and skill

• Resources, skill, and time to build a game vary depending on the complexity of the content and the game as well as the nature of the technology used.
• ��Learning games require content knowledge, ability to design learning objectives, activities to create the conditions for learning, and to develop methods of assessing the learning.
• ��As with other KMb techniques, understanding the audience, their level of knowledge, interests, and technological preferences is critical. Do keep in mind presentation time. For example, you may wish to build in shorter or longer options for users depending on the time they have available.
• ��The game should not be overly complex for participants. Design the complexity of the game to meet the needs of the audience. In general the less complex the better. You want their cognitive load on the content of the game not the operation.
• ��Cost to build the game vary. A good initial step in development is an inexpensive prototype to test the game, fine tune the structure, game mechanics, and design.

��Key Considerations

• Electronic or not? Creating electronic interactive games requires access to skilled multimedia specialists and content that is highly rules based. The nature of your audience and the extent to which they use virtual media will be a determining factor.
• ��Competitive or collaborative? Your decision will depend upon your values and the nature of your audience.
• ��Audiences? Games can be suitable for all audiences. The design process needs to determine the most engaging format and process for specific audiences.

��The take away

• Gamification is an engaging technique that can be applied to many different subjects or disciplines
• ��Start with an inexpensive paper based prototype of the game to test it with the target audience(s)
• ��Make the game fun to play.

��Resources and Examples

The poverty Game (http://playspent.org/),

The KMb Game (download presentation��)

-An organization whose mission is to “Catalyze Social Impact Through Digital Games“

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