Patrick Sue,
I haven't visited this site in several months, but I'm glad I saw your
comments on the difference between information and knowledge. I take a
similar view on how info and knowledge differ because the difference is
essential to my work. I am very interested in the conversion point at
which infomation becomes knowledge. The difference in the way I deal with
the two worlds has very little to do with content. The difference has to
do with application - that's why I like your words. Information becomes
knowledge when it intersects with a user (the knower) and a purpose. At
that point, infomation converts to knowledge, i.e. it becomes focused on
action or supports some form of decision/change. Infomation can sit it
dusty libraries or databases until the paper rots or the electrons die of
entropy. But knowledge is much more ephemeral. It exists only within the
context of the knower and the purpose. This is not an academic exercise
for me. The conversion process (how, who when, where, by what conduit,
etc.) is the whole enchilada in my profession. The point of conversion is
a constantly moving target -- there are processes that help, and processes
that hinder. My real passion is group cognitive processes. I've dealt
with teams that were learning dynamos, and teams that were duds. One of
the primary differences was in their processes to convert information into
knowledge (i.e. getting the right information into the right hands, at the
right time, to meet the critical need). Big problem! Anyway, just
thought I would say hello to the group once again an put in my two cents
worth.
--Learning-org -- Hosted by Rick Karash <rkarash@karash.com> Public Dialog on Learning Organizations -- <http://www.learning-org.com>