Knowledge management in higher education

Knowledge is integration of experience, values, ideas, information, contextual sequence of data, insight, indicators, development information, decision making criteria that provides a framework for evaluating and incorporating new experiences and information. Knowledge can be captured and enhanced through sharing, education, training, work experience, dialogue, participation, group interactions etc. both internally and externally (Viju Mathew, 2010). Knowledge Management (KM) is the process of transforming information and intellectual assets into enduring value. It connects people with the knowledge that they need to take action, when they need it (Jillinda J. Kidwell, Karen M. Vander Linde, and Sandra L. Johnson). Education is closely related with Knowledge Management. Higher education institutions have "significant opportunities to apply knowledge management practices to support every part of their mission (Kidwell, 2001)". KM can be used to support educational administration, which in turn supports teaching and learning. With the combination of KM and ICT tools, the education institution will be able to provide better educational facilities, administrative services, strategic planning process, student retentions, teaching-learning process, cost effectiveness, data transfer, collaboration, research, faculty development, admissions, expand new web based offerings; students and alumni services, research process curriculum development, work analysis etc. (Petrides & Guiney, 2002). This paper studies the general understanding of students about Knowledge Management, the opportunities available for their Knowledge Management and KM practices adopted by them in their higher education.