To integrate various forms of knowledge and knowledge production in our research processes, the first step should be rethinking the term ‘knowledge’ itself.
How do we define knowledge? The so called ‘eurocentric-perspective’ of knowledge was defined for hundreds of years on the basis of christian belief systems, as well as colonial and capitalistic structures. As knowledge itself was defined by a system of power, the production of what was defined as knowledge could only happen within this system. These structures are beginning to fall apart by efforts of communities, groups and individuals who were oppressed or who are disadvantaged by institutions, companies, states or individuals (who benefit of the mentioned structures).
The Cambridge dictionary defines knowledge as: “Understanding of or information about a subject that you get by experience or study, either known by one person or by people generally.” Following this definition – and other definitions I found in Spanish, German and French – knowledge is gained by experiencing or studying. So, if we think of knowledge in this way, it allows us to have a more open approach to knowledge and thereby to knowledge production.
The technical progress, one the one side, has the advantage that we have access to various forms of knowledge and knowledge production. On the other side, the web is a possibility for people to make their voice be heard. There are platforms in form of websites created by communities and groups to display knowledge. On other platforms like Youtube, knowledge is distributed through a variety of videos. Podcasts are also a form of knowledge production and can be integrated in our research processes.
The methodologies of verifying and using the information are the same as with "academic material".
A final concluding remark: any information can be a form of knowledge, it depends on the question asked.