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As the proliferation of digital technologies and access to information continues to invite different ways of thinking, learning today is influenced by the ever-evolving, interconnected complex systems. While these systems have the potential to expand the ecologies of teaching and learning, many students and teachers have yet to tap into their richness. This session explores how connectivism and networked learning might be used to enhance the teaching and learning of first-year writing. I seek to demonstrate how personal technology, Open Educational Resources, and cloud-based computing could be integrated into the curriculum to cultivate interactive, self-directed learning. I will also consider the teacher’s role in facilitating the networked learning process, helping students to situate themselves within the complex relationships of technologies and discourse communities. I hope this creates an open forum to discuss the embedded rhetorics in technology, as well as to explore methodologies for research in the realm of connectivism.
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Toward a Networked Writing Classroom
Connectivism, Content, Collaboration, Composition
Jason Tham, Writing Studies at University of Minnesota @jasoncktham
Exploration
• To (re)imagine a connected learning environment• To consider connectivism in writing pedagogy• To explore the methodologies for research and
assessment
Connected Learning
Knowledgeable Knowledge-Able
Michael Wesch on digital literacy
• “It’s ridiculously easy to connect, organize, share, collect, collaborate, and publish”
• Students need to be able to actively and critically locate and handle strategic knowledge
• TEDxKC: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeaAHv4UTI8
Global Learning Networks
MOOCsMassive open online courses
1ConnectivismCollaborationContent Composition
Connectivism
George Siemens & Stephen Downes on connected knowledge:
• Chaos, networks, complexity & self-organization theories• Learning in nebulous environments• Learning resides outside of ourselves• Focus on connecting info sets• Connection > Current state of knowing
Connectivism
George Siemens & Stephen Downes on connected knowledge:
• New info is continually being acquired• Ability to distinguish important from unimportant info is vital• Ability to recognize effects of new info is critical
Networks: Connections
Transform, Not Reform
Roadmap to connected learning:
• Understanding the power of Personal Learning Networks• Becoming a networked learner• Implementing a networked classroom• Becoming a networked school
2ContentCollaborationConnectivism Composition
Content
Content
Rethinking learning and knowledge making
• Duin: It’s about connections• Problems with current structure: age-grouped, discipline-
specific, teacher-run, loose assessments• Untapped information
Content
New literacies: DIY learning
• Developing proficiency with tech tools• Building relationships with others• Designing and sharing info• Managing, synthesizing, analyzing simultaneous info• Creating, critiquing, evaluating texts• Attending to ethical responsibilities as users
Content
Content
A working definition:
“A PLN involves an individual’s topic-oriented goals, a set of practices and techniques aimed at attending and organizing a variety of relevant content sources, selected for their value, to help the owner achieve a professional goal or personal interest.”
D. Warlick
Content
Introducing Personal Learning Networks (PLNs)
• A group of people, personal & professional, with whom the students may connect for the purpose of learning
• Connections may happen f2f or in the virtual world• PLNs can be current or aspirational• Forms: diagram, contact list, maps, live networks, etc.
Content
Helping students to think about their PLNs
• Who do they talk to or interact with on a daily basis?• How do those interactions take place?• What are the contexts for those interactions? Work?
Family?• What resources do they learn about due to the interactions?• Who would they like to interact with as part of their learning
process?
Content
Students have used PLN to
• Discover possible appealing career paths• Learn about emerging trends in their area of study• Learn the lingo or jargon in their field• Answer questions about their field• Identify opportunities for internship & connect with mentors• Define their digital identities
Example 1: Direct/InMail Contact – Getting connected
Example 2: Veterans Mentorship Program – Expanding my horizon
Example 2: Another InMail Contact – Expanding my horizon
Example 3: LinkedIn Map – Exploring existing connections
• Categorizing the virtual network(s)
• Thinking about roles• Consider interests• Explore represented
knowledge, information, and experiences
Example 4: Coggle.it Map – Building and maintaining connections
3CollaborationContentConnectivism Composition
Collaboration
Key competencies to develop:
• Interpersonal and intercultural communication• Understand different/changing values• Recognize situated expertise and knowledge• Create and maintain trust among various actors within the
larger community
Collaboration
Sharing of networks / Strategic expansion
• Use tools like Google’s What Do You Love for resources• Get in touch with authors, creators, and extend gratitude• Find groups based on personal interests and contribute to
discussions• Attend in-person or virtual networking event
4CompositionContentConnectivism Composition
Composition
Benefits for writing courses:
• Learner-centered• Transparent, accessible• Collaborative• Supportive of problem- and inquiry-based learning• Driven by personalized, authentic assessment
Composition
Bringing PLNs into the writing classroom / Types of PLN assignments:
• Resource Networks• Learning Patterns• Professional Development
Composition
Pilot assignment:
• Developing PLN as a pre-writing exercise• Generating research bibliography• Sharing the PLN and in-class discussions• Evaluations
Composition
Challenges:
• Safety and ethical considerations• Assessment• Ownership and rights• Parental involvement
Conclusion
Going forward
• Consider the strengths and weaknesses of networked pedagogy
• Invent new ways to help students engage with people & info• What tools to use• Resource to start: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqSH5TMYlz4
Toward a Networked Writing Classroom
Connectivism, Content, Collaboration, Composition
Jason Tham, Writing Studies at University of Minnesota @jasoncktham