Building Online Knowledge Societies for Lifelong Learning: The Democratic University-Community Partnerships in Turkey

Abstract

New communication technologies have the great potential to construct very powerful paradigm shifts that enhance university-community partnerships (UCPs) in Turkey. Therefore, the purpose of this chapter is to focus on how to build online knowledge networks between university and community for lifelong learning. Further, in this study, the strategies and principles of UCPs based on media richness theory through a critical pedagogy approach is discussed to generate a theoretical framework that provides everyday examples and experiences for probing social justice issues. Online learners can find the diverse resources, multicultural experiences, and egalitarian opportunities that broaden their perspectives via new communication technologies. This chapter therefore concentrates on discussing the characteristics of the UCPs for lifelong learning to build online communities with new communication technologies.