Using Conversational Knowledge Management as a lens for Virtual Collaboration in the course of small group activities

For several decades scholars from different disciplines explore knowledge management using different theoretical and engineering lenses. This paper focuses on a relatively recent approach to knowledge management and collaborative learning, namely Conversational Knowledge (CK) management. Using empirical data from two different case studies, we identify conversational patterns and assess intrinsic properties of their prominent media types. This helps anchor these patterns as `Dialogue for Action', thus informing the design of portlets (in the Liferay portal) that foster creation of new knowledge through collaborative conversational engagements of peers.