Journal article that makes suggestions and gives examples of how technology can be used to design transformative learning experiences.
In this article, the author argues that technology use in
education has focused on combating instructional
problems and inefficiencies. While technology use for
such purposes is viable and important, the author
proposes that practitioners and researchers in this field
utilize emerging technologies as a means to provide
opportunities for personally relevant and meaningful
transformation. The author discusses strategies for
providing such opportunities and presents examples of
potentially transformative learning activities and
environments. The article concludes with caveats
regarding the pursuit of transformation in technologyenhanced
learning environments.
Emergent learning describes learning that occurs when participants interact and distribute knowledge, where learning is self-directed, and where the learning destination of the participants is largely unpredictable (Williams, Karousou, & Mackness, 2011).
However, the question remains whether institutional frameworks can accommodate the opposing notion of “cooperative systems” (Shirky, 2005),
We build upon Williams et al.’s framework of emergent learning, where “content will not be delivered to learners but co-constructed with them” (De Freitas & Conole, as cited in Williams et al., 2011, p. 40), and the notion that in constructing emergent learning environments “considerable effort is required to ensure an effective balance between openness and constraint” (Williams et al., 2011, p. 39)
Builds on an extends the previous article on emergent learning and applies it to analysing an assessment item within a first-year media arts education course. It uses/develops a matrix that is proposed as being useful for figuring out how to design emergent learning.
Use of Design-Based Research Methodology to Develop a Proposal to Implement a Networked and Global Learning Solution in Vocational Education and Training.
PDF of paper presented at ACEC 2014 which appears to be of relevance to some of you. Abstract follows.
This paper goes beyond the commonly held concerns of Internet safety, such as cyberbullying. Instead, it explores the ethical dilemmas we face as teachers when using social media, in particular social networks, in the classroom. We believe old ideas of respect and culture of care for children and young people need to be reconstructed around new media. This paper draws on the authors' experience in teaching with, and researching students' use of, social media in the classroom. In this paper we explore the ethical issues of consent, traceability, and public/private boundaries. We tackle the complex issue of the rights around virtual identities of the students followed by a discussion on the ethics of engaging students in public performance of curriculum and their lives. Finally we discuss the ethical dilemma involved in recognising and responding to illicit activity. While we reflect on our own response to these dilemmas and propose a dialogic process as the way forward, we also return to the argument that these ethical choices are dilemmas in which most, if not all, options are unpalatable or impracticable
Teachers before students. When you roll out tech, ensure you give teachers an opportunity to learn about and use the tech, before you provide it to the students.
Don't require. Inspire. Do not require all teachers to accept and use the technology. Start with the teachers who are most excited. Ask teachers to write short and sensible proposals about how they want to use the tech. Empower those teachers to help guide others along.
If you deploy to grade levels, start with the older students. If you start with lower grades the upper grades will resent that they never had the opportunity to have access to the tech. If you start with the upper grades, the lower grades will be excited about what they have to look forward to.
Follow him at @Mr_Casal to get great ideas about how social media can be used to build and strengthen the school community. For those concerned about getting administrators on board, he shared information on how to explain how social media meets the standards