“There is a problem in completing your connection…

…Please hang up and try again…”  I felt that never have truer words been spoken when I sat back after Tuesdays session and tried to make sense of it all… I’m afraid at heart that I take more to practical things I can get my hands on – give me the tools, show me how to use them (ok, maybe not in that order depending on the tool ) and let me have at it! Theory gives me a headache.

That being said, I know there is a place for theory and nice tools can be developed using it – some of which actually work . 

Alec has asked us to “Reflect on the discussion during today’s session and consider in what way learning is networked (beyond social contact). Specifically, what are the implications for educators? How do we “teach differently” in networks than we do in a classroom? How should our priorities change in skill development? And, as the field of networked learning grows, where do we turn for guidance and direction?”

I have long known that knowledge is constantly growing and changing so that things we have taken for granted for years are no longer true. Who knew Pluto would ever be demoted? (The former planet, not the dog… ) With this ever increasing pace there is no way we can ever be sure what we are teaching will be factual next year, or even next week…  By the time someone invests the years necessary to become an “expert” on a subject, there is no guarantee that they will be up to date or in the case of technological tools, no guarantee the tool will still be in use. This is where I see networked learning having a valuable role. Those who have the knowledge now, can share it with a wide audience immediately instead of having to have it “trickle down” through disciples so it is of immediate relevance – isn’t that what people want these days? Instead of having one “teacher” in front of the classroom lecturing about what others have written or said, why not model ourselves on this class and have the people who developed the knowledge or studies deliver the information themselves? In this way, the message is given first hand, not “interpreted” for us. As well, it can provide an opportunity to learn from anyone in the network, not just the so-called “expert”. This is what I see as the value of networked learning. The problem for me is how do I develop the network and what tools are appropriate? Luckily, that’s what I hope this class (and those who are this journey with me) will help me with! After all, who better to get guidance from, than from those already using the systems!

I’m not saying there isn’t a place for the pondering the classics, history and philosophy, in fact I still consider them important. I also understand there is a large amount basic information in the curriculum out there that teacher’s are required to teach, but the rapid change of how people are communicating and in technology, requires us to change how we do things. If we don’t, we not only risk being left behind, but will not be preparing our students for the world in which they will be finding themselves.  I think we need to do what the curriculum is supposed to do – prepare our students to be lifelong learners. In order to accomplish this, we teachers need to learn about new communication technologies and the educational possibilities they present in order to teach our students how to properly use them. This means not only how to use the systems, but to use them in appropriate and safe ways. I believe it was mentioned in our class that it the students who are pushing the envelope in discovering what these new technologies can do. Do we allow students to “crash and burn” following the herd, uploading or transmitting whatever they want because they can? Or, do we become rolemodels and provide guidance in proper use of the tools and possible consequences of their misuse? I know which way I want for my children… 

We also need to push for the infrastructure in our schools to support this kind of learning or the students in the systems without it, will continue to lag behind.

Maybe I’ll try dialing again…

Until next time,

G

Advertisement

Tags: eci831