WomensLearningStudio

Example case study from Knowledge Communities, Naava Frank's nonprofit org

List of projects in Connected Learning Research Network as of July 27, 2012 Note this Longitudinal study of Connected Learning by Ben Penuel of late elementary and middle school students in connected learning environments and the "relationship of participation to valued outcomes. These outcomes include interest development, persistence in learning, civic participation, and development of a positive sense of the future." Could these outcomes be the same for WLS Studio connected learners?

Post by Katie Salen, July 26, 2012, Leveling Up project at Connected Learning Research Network. I like this emphasis on individual and collective gains in connected learning networks. And how connected learning is "value additive." Excerpts: "Further, because connected learning, as a model, advocates for experiences that offer low barriers to entry and information, social supports for learning, and diverse opportunities for the development of interest and expertise, it must also advocate for outcomes that are both individual and collective in nature. It is no longer enough to develop metrics and pathways for individual outcomes; we must also find ways to recognize outcomes produced by groups or communities and provide pathways for collective participation. Or so our hypothesis goes." As a community, the members of Ravelry produce knowledge and expertise, projects and products with academic, civic, and peer value. The welcoming nature of the site and the mere existence of the thousands of groups it hosts are mechanisms inviting participation and the development of shared knowledge. Conversely, the environment provides individuals with opportunities to acquire social, economic, and cultural capital, to learn domain-specific content and skills, and develop metacognitive skills and learning dispositions. Unlike models of learning that center solely on individual outcomes and competition for zero-sum resources and rewards, like those seen in most schools, Ravelry exemplifies how connected learning is value-additive, elevating individuals and collectives in an integrated way. High-functioning connected learning environments are characterized not only by engaged learning at an individual level, but by high quality content and standards and collective purpose that is shared by all participants.

Another excellent resource from PLP for Connected Educators (available through Dropbox) to kick off Connected Educators Month. What if August were also Women's e-Quality month? or Women's Webquality Month? August 26 is Women's Equality Day . . . something to think about for next year? Wonder which women's organizations might bite and support such an event.

YouTube video by Skip Via, prof. at University of Alaska in Fairbanks on Personal Learning Network, 2010. Has a great image of his PLN. He itemizes the tools according to the functions he needs: 1. Find answers 2. Read blogs/news 3. Publish and share 4. Communicate 5. Collaborate 6. Follow colleagues 7. Aggregate resources All based on people who have expertise or need his expertise.

Looking for exciting new tools to simplify the blogging experience? If so, keep reading. We decided to get the scoop on today's hottest blogging tools. We asked 22 pros to share their favorite new finds. Here they are... #1: InboxQ A great blogging tool I discovered a few months ago is InboxQ.

Very nice site by the Milken Institute (changing the world in innovative ways) featuring bite-size multimedia appetizers of its Best Cities for Successful Aging research.

Crowd source information

For many small businesses, open source software represents an unexplored gold mine. When you run a small business, budgets are always tight. While you need many of the same kinds of software that larger businesses need, you don't have hundreds or thousands of dollars to spend on that software like bigger companies do.

An interesting diagnostic on practices of successful people--series of questions around 9 elements, like content and format--offered free by author Heidi Grant Halvorson of book Nine Things Successful People Do Differently, found 8.6.2012

blog by Heidi Grant Halvorson on HBR website re: our lack of insight when it comes to analyzing why we do/don't succeed; others know us better, July 30, 2012. See link to free diagnostics to build self-awareness

Excellent site (wiki) for Groupaya. This page is on Leading Change. Found this because Eugene Kim is leader for Leadership Learning Community.

home page for Groupaya wiki. Like their sun-ball being lifted overhead logo. Incredible # of pages of different resources here.

video on google search tips, 7 minutes long, found it from Free Tech4Teachers blog, August 2012.

Blog post by Lara Galinsky on Dowser (who's solving what and how), August 6, 2012 "This may sound idealistic but we are already on the way. According to Net Impact's recent Talent Report: What Workers Want in 2012, the Millennial generation wants, and expects, to do good and do well in their paid work. In fact, a majority of students (65 percent) expect to make a difference in the world through their work, and 53 percent would take a 15 percent pay cut to work for an organization whose values matched their own. However, in my experience, too few of these students know the kind of difference they want to make, and how to make it. And that is the real opportunity. In order to harness this generation's desire to create change, we must move away from the antiquated concept of vocation, which emphasizes what's in it for the individual: whether it will sustain their interest or bring them fame or fortune. Instead, we need to help young people start their professional lives by asking questions. What issues, ideas, people, and projects move them deeply? What problems are theirs to own? How can they combine their heads and hearts to address those problems? What is their unique genius and how can it be of use to the world beyond themselves?"

Barbara Bray's Scoop.it page. Like the embedded form you can create in survey builder.

Excellent list of Diigo linked resources assembled by Elyse Eidman-Aadahl on traditions in adult and workplace learning. Has implications for how we structure the learning processes/places for WLS.

Great example of the Social Learning Centre's (UK) approach to "other" learning activities on its website.

About page from Social Learning Centre (UK)

Excellent 10 minute presentation by Harold Jarche, Social Learning Centre on Personal Knowledge Management, an intro to PKM workshop, posted May 19, 2012