CCReflect

"includes combinations of synchronous and asynchronous, campus-based, online, distributed, simulation and massive open online course (MOOC)"

How does a motivated group of self-learners choose a subject or skill to learn? How can this group identify and select the best learning resources about that topic? How will these learners identify and select the appropriate technology and communications tools and platforms to accomplish their learning goal? What does the group need to know about learning theory and practice to put together a successful peer-learning program?

"a guide for selecting and assembling a technological platform to support communities of practice across a large organization. To this end, the report addresses four questions: What makes communities of practice different from garden-variety online communities? Every group that shares interest on a website is called a community today, but communities of practice are a specific kind of community. They are focused on a domain of knowledge and over time accumulate expertise in this domain. They develop their shared practice by interacting around problems, solutions, and insights, and building a common store of knowledge. What categories of community-oriented products exist and what are they trying to accomplish? The ideal system at the right price does not exist yet, though a few come really close. But there are eight neighboring categories of products that have something to contribute and include good candidates to start with. Analyzing these categories of products yields not only a scan of products, but also a way of understanding the various aspects of a knowledge strategy based on communities of practice. What are the characteristics of communities of practice that lend themselves to support by technology? Technology platform are often described in terms of features, but in order to really evaluate candidates for a technology platform, it is useful to start with the success factors of communities of practice that can be affected by technology. The third section of this report provides a table of thirteen such factors with examples of how a technology platform can affect the success of a community in each area. How to use the answer to these questions to develop a strategy for building a platform for communities of practice? Most of the product categories can be a starting point for building a general platform. In fact, this analysis of the field suggests a strategy for approach the task. Decide what kinds of activities are most

"You want to come home to yourself & yet.. part of you seeks" to resolve consequences of past acts...

Good technology choices start with a firm understanding of the skills that you want your students to master.

"improvscience accelerates effective collaboration. learn to build rapport, boost listening skills, and build with people across research areas and disciplines."

"Our youngsters respond keenly, and usually responsibly, when given a big say in the things that affect them. For instance, a couple of years ago, when we needed to appoint pastoral care staff, we decided to ask the children what qualities such a staff member should have. After lively discussion they came up with: calm (not wind us up); confident (not scared of us); firm but fair (able to deal with things when they happen and not put it off till later); able to listen well (to hear what it is we really have to say); able to help us sort out problems and learn for ourselves (give us help with options, not tell us what to do); able to treat us as individuals (not seeing all behaviours as the same); able, most of all, to treat us in the way you yourself would want to be treated. These requirements now appear in every job vacancy we advertise, whatever the position."

"You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation. Plato"

Stop blaming your users and instead say "Wow, so many people want to learn. How can we help them stay motivated and engaged? Let's help them achieve their dreams."

* supporting learning through design experiences * helping youth build on their own interests * creating an emergent learning community, and * working always in a climate of trust and respect.