It is well understood that students no longer rely on one source of information to gain knowledge and better their understandings. Would we want our student's to rely on one source anyways? Isn't it believed the more sources the better, because not only do you get more reliable data, but you get the opinions of many to help us interpret and evaluate in order to come to our own decisions about a certain topic. Looking at the learner of today, so much more is available to help foster critical thinking in the classroom then just ten years ago. One aspect that plays a very important role in fostering such growth is technology.
The learner of today collaborates, shares thoughts and opinions, and is always up for gaining insights from others. This learner of today is like a team mate, knowing that there is no "I" in team. Team mates know that collaboration is extremely important, otherwise a wrong play could have been made if only 1 person was allowed to voice their opinion. This goes for the learner of today. Listening to others views and opinions help to engage and enlighten a certain topic, opening doors where one may have not thought to go before. Like a team mate, the learner of today (teachers as well) has to stay current with what is going on. If a player doses off for a split second, the other team may have a chance at scoring. Similarly, technology is always advancing, always opening new doors to collaborate, share opinions, and enhance our education. If we do not take advantage of this ever changing atmosphere, we may miss out on something that can really impact our learning. Teachers especially need to stay current because as times change, so do learning styles. Technology is a great way to enhance education and and to motivate students because most students are already familiar with new technology, and they may become more engrossed as the learning options multiply.
George Siemen's learning theory of Connectivism supports collaboration and understands that learners must utilize what is given to them. In his article, Connectivism, A Learning Theory for the Digital Age, Siemen's makes it known that learning no longer has to take form in memorization, as long as the learner knows where to find his information. He is quoted, "Know-how and know-what is being supplemented with know-where (the understanding of where to find knowledge needed)." This could not relate more with the digital world we are living in because information is constantly at our fingertips. We will be learning more in knowing how to utilize this information then trying to remember everything we have ever read, which would be impossible. Furthermore, in his YouTube video The Network is the Learning, Siemens takes note that we are constantly able to stay current with people all over the world through collaborating, either through the internet, skype, phone, etc. Because technology is constantly evolving and stays current, it is essentially the learning because so much can be done with something that is constantly changing and constantly connected. We use the internet to learn from others, whether it is reading their blogs, asking for advice, or collaborating for a meeting. The learner of today utilizes what is at their fingertips and is essentially preparing themselves for the future.
1 comment:
Your team member analogy works well when we think of each team member as a node in a personal learning network.
You mentioned the importance of knowing where to find information. We can also add the importance of recognizing reliable information.
I've heard Siemens mention often that diversity of opinion is extremely important. In some or eh online courses he has taught he always includes readings from people who disagree with his ideas. Similarly by connecting our students to diverse voices we can help them truly become critical thinkers.
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