"Who you know becomes as
important as what you know. Conversations help people make meaning and
the quality of our conversations is affected by the quality of our networks."

Harold, I think this is a key aspect that must be discussed in greater detail. Just like for real physical wealth, in a knowledge economy, we must address the asymmetries by trying to make sure each learner has an equal opportunity to build the right quality of networks through a process of discovery and peer facilitation. Networks are only as good as the people that comprise them.

Today the amount of quality knowledge (even just through blogs) that is flowing around is also mind boggling. These factors enough to deter many people from being able to jump into a conversation in much the same way a student in a classroom is intimidated by the teacher.