Week 5 Task

Knowledge is the acquisition of skill or expertise through education and/or experience. It is “part of the hierarchy made up of data, information and knowledge”[1]. Data can be defined as a fact without context. Once data is given a context and perspective it is classified as information. Adding context to data means creating relationships between data, thus, creating information. Knowledge gives understanding to this information. “To have "knowledge" requires information in conjunction with patterns between data, information, and other knowledge, couples it with understanding and cognition.”[2] Application of this knowledge is known as wisdom.

An example of this hierarchy can be found in architectural collaboration. Autodesk offers a range of BIM and design programs. This can be classified as data or a raw fact. Without additional details, little can be concluded from just that piece of data because it lacks context and perspective. “Autodesk offers a range of BIM and design programs for use in Architecture, Engineering and Construction. The programs allow for the composition of detailed architectural drawings and models that can be communicated effectively between all respected disciplines.” This statement can be classified as information because the data has been given a context and perspective. It is apparent there is a relationship between the Autodesk programs but this information is meaningless without further practical understanding. Theoretically, by learning how to use these programs, knowledge is acquired through education and experience. Finally, applying knowledge and expertise in the use of these programs exemplifies wisdom. In this example, wisdom can be seen through the use of acquired knowledge in the use of these programs in conjunction with other disciplines to fabricate an array of architectural drawings and models for a project.

The transfer of knowledge can be divided into three fields. This is illustrated in the diagram below.

Through the acquisition of knowledge through education and experience can individuals progress to specialising in a certain discipline where collaboration between others can create new knowledge to be recycled from generation to generation.

References
1. http://www.infodiv.unimelb.edu.au/knowledgebase/itservices/a-z/k.html Accessed: April 20, 2008.
2. http://www.tdan.com/view-articles/5108/ Accessed: April 21, 2008.
Image: http://networkedlearning.ncsl.org.uk/knowledge-base/tools-and-resources/three-fields-of-knowledge-diagram.pdf Accessed: April 22, 2008.