I really liked the point you made about an abundance of information being on the internet, and how that can pose challenges for students who have difficulty telling the difference between factual and fabricated information. This is very important in modern day because students often refer to whatever comes up first in a quick Google search. They rarely think twice about the source of their information, which can lead to many issues throughout their studies. I have even found myself struggling to figure out whether a news story or specific article is completely factual because you can never be completely certain of who is behind it. Promoting good research skills and valid resource outlets (e.g. Google Scholar, library databases, etc.) to students is of great value not only to them, but to teachers who will be grading their work as well.

I really like the point you made about GTAs who really enjoy their work as opposed to those who moan and groan about it. I just assumed that people who were in classes such as Contemporary Pedagogy, were taking it because they wanted to improve on their skills as future faculty. I have come to realize that some GTAs are only in it to pay for school, which I think is unfortunate for the students. In tying this in with connected learning, I think that it provides an opportunity for those who may not be interested in teaching due to the ‘old fashioned’ lecture based style, to really become passionate about teaching. Sometimes the way the message (or, class material) is presented can really get both instructors and students more motivated to engage and participate. I’m interested to learn more about the ways we can incorporate technologies into our own classrooms that I have not encountered before.

Honestly, I partially agree. Just like you and many others, I hate online classes and I personally never learn anything from it. I agree that connective learning is the future of learning but I do not think at any point in time it will replace traditional lecture type classrooms. Some classes will be held remotely, sure but not all. Technology is currently being integrated in the education at a very fast pace, but this trend will slow down reaching a saturation point to suit the need of each individual, or group of individuals, and depending on the topic and degree. Physical human interaction is part of learning and I don’t see that connective learning, taken to the extreme, could ever replace it.

LikeLike

I believe the peer-review process can be effectively integrated into Connected Learning in the classroom. In the scientific community, professionals rely on each other to critically assess all scientific claims through the peer review process. This would not be possible without collaboration and communication with the outside professional world, ideals Connected Learning hopes to promote.

I don’t believe owning your digital identity is as narcissistic as “Exhibitionism” implies. In class we discussed the present-day inevitability of having a personal web presence. If this is true, then why would you not want your web presence to be something you would be proud to show future employers?

Many professionals use blogs as an extension of their CV. Individuals can provide access to their publications, professional contributions, projects, etc. Blogs can also be used as community sourcing tools. The input of peers can provide insight and allow you to be critical of your output.

LikeLike

I totally agree. Education need to adapt to the current century and should evolve to suit the needs of future generations. To be successful in your career, you should to be able to learn fast, adapt to change, and cease every opportunity of development. Connective learning is just an example to stay connected with everybody and learn from them! I honestly think that each one of us has used or read a blog to learn something especially when we have a homework assignment about a specific topic or tool and we have no idea where to start. I personally rely on a lot of blogs to learn about new tools and skills on how to best use different software like word, excel, matlab, latex, etc.

You point out an interesting thought that not all individuals may learn well through digital media. Though in my readings lots of source often make it a point to mention that connected learning does not necessarily have to use digital media, technology, or the Internet, these still appear to be very common themes. This can also be true of connected learning overall. People who are shy, introverted, or socially inexperienced may struggle and not benefit from connected learning. It could be argued that socializing is a necessary occurence and a needed skill, but forcing withdrawn students to interact with others for a grade may not be the most considerate of practices.

I also have had a similar qualm with how purported connected learning is, but then how it might not be appropriate for standard information. I’ve read authors who seem to put down the process of plain “information transfer” where professors and lectures spout facts or rigid methods, and where students force themselves to learn and memorize. However, there is a degree of this which is required. A discussion of blogs posts of whether 2 + 2 equals 4 or 5 doesn’t seem appropriate, as there isn’t much up for interpretation.

You mention that these are “fundamental elements” of learning. I like the idea of this. I disagree from you somewhat in that you claim connected learning is “not the best way to learn”. I don’t believe it is a matter of choosing what singular method is best, but rather an amalgamation of different methods. Certain situations call for certain methods at certain times. Connected learning has its benefits and its place, but it should not overshadow other ways of learning, or other important issues or research in pedagogy.

Your blog posts touches on lot of interesting topics. I liked your conclusion the most where you stated the complications of the school not being in connected learning itself but in creating a life balance given this new technology. I’d like to add here that I believe that this is the case with any new technology or even idea whether related to education or not. Most of the time, it is the usage of something that has negative outcomes but not the technology itself. Connected learning is just a tool that educators and student should use wisely to reach constructive outcomes without replacing the traditional classroom setup.

This is a great post! I find natural to be afraid of new things and adopting them can create even more resistance. I believe that not everything new is worth doing, and that not everything that we currently do is worth conserving. WE should be able to learn and teach how to use connective learning in a structured fashion in pedagogy. We need to learn and teach how set those bounders. We need to gain the abilities to recognize when it is useful to meet in person to discuss a topic and when it is useful to send a tweet, with say a link, to incentive further readings on a given matter. I see how these blogs and discussions we are having, via connective learning, will help us understand this learning culture, so we can implement it in our future jobs. Let’s think about it, we are right now learning connectively, aren’t we?

I am interested to hear more about your stance regarding the shortcomings of connected learning, as expressed below:

“The idea of connected learning to me is one of those techno-idealized notions that look good on paper, but in reality fall short of the mark.”

I believe connected learning is not only beneficial, but necessary. Broadening our scope of influence allows us to critically assess our own ideas and improve upon our original claims. I work in a scientific field, where publishing would not be possible without peer-review.

Despite my beliefs, I am equally interested in looking at this issue dialectically. I also believe there are major flaws in how we utilize connected learning in the academic setting. I am having trouble expressing my own frustrations, and I am interested in your point of view.

Thank you for providing an interesting point to ponder!