Learning Networks in a Connected World: Trends, Structures and AI Support
Supporting human learning in complex socio-technical systems.
Framing
Learning in organizations and operational environments is shaped by interaction patterns, access to expertise, and trust relationships. In complex socio-technical systems, network-aware support can help people coordinate, make decisions under uncertainty, and sustain effective learning over time.
This workshop focuses on human-centered perspectives on learning networks, emphasizing institutional constraints, responsible AI support, and practical interventions. We bring together researchers and practitioners interested in how learning and collaboration networks form, how they relate to engagement and outcomes, and how network-informed tools can support trust, coordination, and resilience.
Topics of Interest
We invite contributions that address one or more of the following themes:
- Investigate emerging forms of learning networks across educational, organizational and online social environments.
- Analyze how network structures and interaction patterns influence collaboration, engagement, knowledge sharing and learning outcomes.
- Explore AI- and data-informed approaches that support, mediate or enhance learning and collaboration in socio-technical networked environments.
- Examine ethical, institutional, governance and pedagogical implications of deploying network-aware systems and interventions.
Call for Papers
In addition to full research papers, we welcome early-stage research contributions and demo submissions showcasing innovative methods, systems or applications related to learning networks and socio-technical environments. This includes PhD projects that would benefit from community feedback and discussion of future work.
As this is the first edition of the workshop, we particularly encourage emerging ideas that explore the intersection of social networks, learning environments and AI-supported collaboration. Our panel is also able to provide feedback on the patentability of new methods, a requirement that is gaining increasing attention in applied research and innovation contexts.
Submission Categories & Format
Full Research Papers
- Up to 8 pages (excluding references)
- Present mature and well-evaluated research contributions
Short / Early-Stage Papers
- Up to 4 pages (excluding references)
- Present preliminary results, novel ideas or research-in-progress
- Particularly suitable for PhD projects and exploratory interdisciplinary work
Demo Papers
- Up to 4 pages (excluding references)
- Describe implemented systems, tools or applications
- Should clearly outline the innovation and practical relevance for networked learning or social collaboration environments
Formatting Requirements
- Submissions must be in PDF format.
- Submissions must be anonymized for double-blind review:
- Remove author names and affiliations.
- Remove acknowledgments.
- Avoid revealing institutional or project identities.
- Write self-references in the third person where appropriate.
- References are not counted toward the page limit.
- Submissions that violate anonymization guidelines may be desk-rejected.
Review Process
All submissions will undergo double-blind peer review and will be evaluated based on:
- Originality and novelty
- Soundness of the research approach and analysis
- Relevance to the workshop themes and social network context
- Clarity of presentation
Important Dates (AoE – Anywhere on Earth)
- Submission platform: Microsoft CMT
- Paper submission deadline: May 1, 2026, 11:59 PM AoE
- Workshop paper acceptance notification: June 12, 2026, 11:59 PM AoE
- Workshop paper camera-ready deadline: June 30, 2026, 11:59 PM AoE
Presentation Requirement
At least one author of each accepted paper must register for MISNC 2026 and present the paper at the workshop.
The Microsoft CMT service was used for managing the peer-reviewing process for this conference. This service was provided for free by Microsoft and they bore all expenses, including costs for Azure cloud services as well as for software development and support.
Program
The workshop will feature a combination of paper presentations and interactive discussions centered on learning networks in connected socio-technical environments.
The program is expected to include:
- Presentations of accepted papers
- Thematic discussion sessions on emerging trends in learning networks
- Opportunities for interdisciplinary exchange between researchers working on social networks, learning systems and AI-supported collaboration
The detailed workshop schedule will be announced after the review process and notification of accepted papers.
Organizers
Short bios are included on the About page.