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Connected Learning, a new research-driven initiative was introduced at the Digital Media and Learning Conference 2012. This blog post by Jackie Gerstein discusses its essence and includes TED video of Henry Jenkins and separate video of Mimi Ito. See excerpt on core values and principals of connected learning: At the core of connected learning are three values: Equity - when educational opportunity is available and accessible to all young people, it elevates the world we all live in. Full Participation - learning environments, communities, and civic life thrive when all members actively engage and contribute. Social connection - learning is meaningful when it is part of valued social relationships and shared practice, culture, and identity (http://connectedlearning.tv/connected-learning-principles). This initiative is being driven by the following design principles: Shared purpose - Connected learning environments are populated with adults and peers who share interests and are contributing to a common purpose. Today's social media and web-based communities provide exceptional opportunities for learners, parents, caring adults, teachers, and peers in diverse and specialized areas of interest to engage in shared projects and inquiry. Cross-generational learning and connection thrives when centered on common interests and goals. Production-centered - Connected learning environments are designed around production, providing tools and opportunities for learners to produce, circulate, curate, and comment on media. Learning that comes from actively creating, making, producing, experimenting, remixing, decoding, and designing, fosters skills and dispositions for lifelong learning and productive contributions to today's rapidly changing work and political conditions. Openly networked - Connected learning environments are designed around networks that link together institutions and groups across various sectors, including popula

Social media's erosion of ability to concentrate and investigate in-depth, based in part on Nicholas Carr's book vs. Stephen Johnson's take on new technology's impact, relates to attention--focusing

Great 19 minute podcast with Buffy Hamilton, Unquiet Librarian, on why libraries are great places for connected learning. This podcast produced by Connected Learning Alliance, a national initiative led by Mimi Ito and other big names on Making Learning Relevant has lessons for WLS. The podcast design itself The content, especially the emphasis on libraries (substitute WLS) as incubator hubs, making learning relevant by working from the learner's point of need, interest and project driven, etc.