Contact:cdent@burningchrome.com
McDermott, R. (2000). Why information technology inspired but cannot
deliver knowledge management. In E.L. Lesser, M.A. Fontaine &
J.A. Slusher, _Knowledge and communities_ (p. 21-35). Boston:
Butterworth Heinemann.
"The great trap in knowledge management is using information
management tools and concepts to design knowledge management systems."
"To know a topic of discipline is not just to possess information
about it. It is the very human ability to _use_ that information."
"In running these experiments, the architect is not just looking for
pre-made solutions, but thinking about how those solutions might apply
and letting ideas _seep_ from one framework to the next, so a new,
creative idea can emerge."
"To know a field or a discipline is to be able to think within its
territory."
"Ideas are meaningful only in relation to the community's beliefs."
This article, in some ways, makes a lovely conclusion to the class
because it ties together a great deal of what we've talked about and
puts the focus the work onto people and communities, where it belongs.
We can talk extensively about how to arrange a web site, but that web
site is pointless unless it does something to enhance the experience
of the people using it.
People implementing technologies to enhance peoples lives will
frequently become so wrapped up in the management of the technology
itself that the original goals for installing the technology are
completely lost.
This article also dovetails nicely with my own research for 542 where
I'm trying to persuade that a tool oriented perspective of the
computer is required to effectively make use of augmenting
technologies because such a perspective allows us to take an adaptable
approach to problem solving: with tools, as a craftsperson,
manipulating information to create knowledge.
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