Here Comes Learning!

http://www.istevision.org/watch.php?vid=518605cf6c08c98cca3e3bf6812dcb9860f7dd3c

Synopsis: In a world of learning networks and communities, how do we help our students move from simple sharing to collective action in the world. - Will Richardson, Connective Learning with Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach Tuesday, 6/30/2009, 2:00pm 3:00pm WWCC 146 B

Using examples from Twitter and Wikipedia, Richardson shows how the new technologies actually improve our critical thinking skills. One example was the constant updating of Wikipedia on the day Michael Jackson died; so many users were trying to keep up with the constant flow of information.

He is a former classroom teacher, and talks about how many youths do not have an adult in their lives who do not understand the connective technologies to help them navigate them. He states that the current social tools are mainly used to connect them to people they already know, and in a print based way, and they are now making connections with adults they don't know on an interest based level. Rather than decrying this as a hunting ground for criminals, Richardson points out that there are many potential teachers and advisers for these kids. He makes a great quote about the older generation,(paraphrased) at about 10:22: we don't have the same kind of context for putting these technologies into use as the kids do. Most kids have no adults that can teach them how to use these technologies for learning. The competencies needed can't necessarily be addressed through traditional professional development. Adults need to be learners outside of a workshop. His quote: "We can teach you a wiki, we can teach you how to blog, but we can't teach you how to connect. You need to immerse yourself." They reiterate that by being co-learners with your students, you can learn even more and be as engaged as the students. Nussbaum-Beach talks about the important of learning with sharing our own experience--collaboratively--to make the learning authentic.

I am intrigued by the communities of practice-developing and joining communities for learning. The most important thing to remember is that they must be allowed to evolve over time with co-created content, rather than having everything laid out. The speaker from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia gave some good, concrete examples of using these concepts. The teachers used these types of learning with their students. The students even asked to do more interactive collaborative assignments.

Another important statement was at the very end: these are not just 21st skills, these are 19th and 20th century skills about interpersonal learning.

I only wish I could have seen the PPT a little better.



To be continued. . . .