Really like the idea of a slow hunch. This is definitely something which I can relate to with my research and general professional life. Whenever I come up with a research idea I will write it down either in my smartphone or a Word doc. Over the past couple of years, I have accumulated a number of ideas which have eventually turned into topics for my dissertation. At the time, they were interesting but needed some time to grow and evolve into something logical and interesting. Many times, these ideas don’t end up becoming anything until I share them with folks in my lab, my adviser, or other faculty. That is when the idea really starts to blossom and connections can be made!

LikeLike

I feel more and more people are getting addicted to social media. We spent tons of time on the internet, and sometimes doing nothing meaningful. So I would say the transformation of learning needs to adapt to people’s life styles. Connected learning somehow is a way to keep up with the evolution trend. If students are passionate about connected life, then they might be more motivated in connected learning?

LikeLike

Hi, thank you for your comments and pointing out the issue of generational characteristics! I would love to hear more about the book you mentioned. What you describe perfectly matches my experience. You’re right, I understand that “this” generation is born into world wide web, and their brains are wired differently than “us” (that sentence made me feel like I am tooo old, ugh! : ).

Reflecting on the issue, as well as the comments from the class,, I started to feel like internet is like an extraordinary pop-song that is just released. As most of the extraordinary pop songs, it is released and bumm,, masses frantically follow, become addicted to it -either by idealizing or devaluating. Time passes by and the extraordinariness of the song starts to seem familiar, song becomes a normal, good enough one. And people start to listen that song in a more moderate level.

May be the time for the moderate use of internet is coming, and we can be that generation who uses internet resources mindfully,, who knows..

Best,
yesim

I had the same worry as overt personal thoughts often associated with misunderstanding and unexpected embarrassment. After reading the suggested post, I started to believe that I should not be too anxious about the potential risks. As long as the bloggers are aware of what is going to be public and obey the ethics, the readers should be open to the diversity of opinions, and respect others’ thoughts. In this way, better communications is achieved instead of locking ideas in the coffer to rot.

LikeLike

Congratulations on your first blogging for this class, and I am looking forward to seeing more thoughts you are going to share with us. Blogging is a great way to exchange minds, While talking face-to-face may be more time efficient. When tying, we are alone and concentrated. We are more aware and cautious about what we are going to publish in the online world. These will lead us to think more deeply and comprehensively. Even with disagreement, the rage will come down only seeing the words instead of the person.

Thank you for your thoughts, and I like the metaphor working in a bubble. I agree with the point in your last paragraph. For my research work with wine, the wine service lab will measure most of the basic quality parameters for us because of the inter-lab collaboration. The offer is time-saving and labor-saving, but when comes to the real world, like working as a winemaker at the vineyard, accurate and proficient analysis especially on the basic wine quality indicators is a must-have skill. The students from our lab may not perform as expected because lack of practice.

My fellow Sith Lord,

Infoentertainment is the future of the Galactic Republic which is why we need a strong Galactic Empire! Search your feelings, you know this to be true! Too many individuals are reliant on modern technologies to solve their problems, they forget the old ways hold their values. There are uses to knowing how to solve math problem without a calculator or being able to write legibly instead of typing on a keyboard. Learning is not always about being entertained or technologically advanced.

Sometimes, there is no technological advancement or a magic tricks that can change how to learn something. Individuals just have to sit down listen and study without the bells and whistles. This may be one of the challenges of connected learning: teaching students that you can be as connected as possible with every innovated piece of technology, but that does not take the place of learning. The effort still has to be made and it isn’t always the responsibility of the instructor to make it the most entertaining lesson. Connected learning is not a replacement for hands-on learning or for experience.

Connected learning is a tool or a method, but it isn’t the “educational magic pill.” I think individuals are so busy trying to find short-cuts or the easy route, they forget that education for a very long time and there are some parts of education that don’t need to be replaced. They need to be enhanced and appreciated. That’s what connected learning should provide, not remove.

I’m not sure I agree with the sentiment that connected learning will replace “traditional lecture based learning,” but I do agree with your comments about how connected learning is “the future of learning.” I think whether you like or not: the Internet and social media have changed the world and there is no going back. I think certain areas of education that will continue to exist. However, I agree that they may no longer be the “traditional” method. Perhaps, one day, the discussion will be about “traditional” connected learning needs to utilize with simpler techniques with less technology.

LikeLike

Growing up, I remember my grandparents and parents both sharing their school experiences. Most of us have probably heard similar stories either from older loved ones or teachers in the classroom. The describe the gradual advances in technology used in educations, from slide rules to digital calculators, or typewriters to computers with Microsoft Word. The list of examples I’ve been exposed to go on and on. Now I admit I’m not old, since I’m only 30, but what I’ve seen happen in the college classroom since 2004 has been dramatic when I reflect on it. Whether we want to accept that we’re getting older is personal, but we all can admit that the evolution of technology is constants shifting from the generations before us to the generations following ours. All of us, regardless if teaching is in our planned future or not, must accept that technology must remain on the cutting edge in order to identify more efficient ways to reach younger people and to stay ahead in dramatically changing world. Yes, I admit I’m also weary of social media in academics, but I accept that it might be the next alternative to keeping the younger students (who live and breathe this form of communication in their everyday lives) engaged in the classroom.

LikeLike

I do wonder if there is a resentment of having social media required for class that may present a barrier to connected learning. I know that I’m similar to you in the regard that it was my schooling that required for me to get social media accounts; however, as a 90s kid, I don’t really know what the world was like without the Internet.

I think you point out a very important aspect of connected learning: “the outlet for creativity.” We don’t always get to be creative or analytical in our studies. Connected learning may provide the opportunity to allow teachers to regain some of the creativity and analytical that we have lost in our education system due to budget cuts or one-size fits all government standards.