For instance, they have to manage time, set their own learning goals, find resources, and try out new tools and make them work.

Research shows that the Internet and the Web are not value-free and do not act as non-hierarchical networks

These free agents do not have a responsibility or an obligation to provide a critical point of view.

need for critical literacies

level of presence.

critical literacies, such as collaboration, creativity, and a flexible mindset, that are prerequisites for active learning

Other benefits were seen in the form of the extension of personal networks and in new blogs and Twitter participants to follow. Participants highlighted the need for a sense of trust and feeling comfortable and confident to be able to participate, a sense of presence and community that some participants found on the PLENK Second Life site.

it is impossible to sustain the high level of reading, thinking, and engaging with materials and people that happened at the beginning of the course.

building identity and reputation is being developed over time

critical ability to not only use network resources, but also to look at them critically in order to “appropriate them and redesign them,

for networked learning to be successful, people need to have the ability to direct their own learning and to have a level of critical literacies that will ensure they are confident at negotiating the Web in order to engage, participate, and get involved with learning activities.

confident and competent in using the different tools in order to engage in meaningful interaction.

takes time for people to feel competent and comfortable

level of learner autonomy

four major types of activity: