Something that is new!! A student being taught through connectivism (information management), in other words through connections with social networks and ties. The student, possibly as young as middle school, is guided with the aid of a developed Personal Learning Network.
The PC
The student uses his computer to: 1) search websites on the assigned subject; Googles and reads articles that are related 2) searches for blogs and comments; uses a reader tube subscribed to himself so as to keep up with the reply's and comments, 3) Lastly, creates his own blog to share and receive information.
The MP3
The student actively searches 1)podcasts, lectures, and documentaries on the assigned subject 2) makes a personal connection with various authors and subject matter experts in order that they may do a virtual visit with others in the class.
The teacher
The teacher helps the student to 1) build the necessary network 2) provides guidance when the student has a problem 3) teaches the student to communicate properly with the subject matter experts, and 4) differentiate good information from propaganda.
My thoughts
In my opinion, this method of learning is not fitting for every student. What about the kinesthetic learner or the student who learns best with boundaries? This method may work for some but, I believe, the majority of our students need structure, for now anyway.
This could very well be the way of the future but it has to be developed slowly and even take many years before it is a reality.
Why would you need a teacher?
You wouldn't. The duties described in the video are not that of a teacher but that of a facilitator. If a student could actually learn under these conditions, there would be no need for a teacher. In fact, the student is actually teaching himself under tutorship. In that case, the student should be paid a salary for teaching himself... much more than the salary of his tutor.
Hi Cynthia,
ReplyDeleteI really like how you broke down the basics of a PLN, what can be a complicated idea, into easy to follow steps. I also completely agree that not all students learn in the same way. I am one of those who needs structure and boundaries. I wouldn't be learning about these things without Dr. Strange having prepared all of the activities and guiding the way while setting deadlines which promote structure and require responsibility for self learning. So I do believe that a teacher is central to this method of learning. This method is being used by college students, schools with funding for computers/ipads/ipods for their students, and homeschooling programs,but I do agree with you about it being a long, slow process for public schools in our area having the opportunity for a PLE due to what's available to students in public classrooms today. Perhaps when it's our chance to be a part of a child's education journey we can make use of our schools computer lab to initiate this kind of creative learning.
"I believe, the majority of our students need structure, for now anyway." Other than your beliefs, is there evidence to support this claim?
ReplyDelete"This could very well be the way of the future but it has to be developed slowly and even take many years before it is a reality." Since we are talking about beliefs, my belief is that the best and the brightest will be using this approach very soon and creating an even wider knowledge and ability gap between the rest.
In my syllabus I claim to be a coach, a facilitator rather than a teacher. So you should get the salary, not me?
What about part 2 of this assignment?
ReplyDelete