In this fourth posting about Personal Learning Network (PLN), I’d like to take a look at a few more concepts that have implications to PLN, including networked learning and motivation with a theoretical perspective.
I would first like to take a glance at Pintrich, Marx, & Boyle (1993) article called The Conceptual Change. The authors are taken a look at motivation and the learners.
Pintrich, Marx, & Boyle (1993) state that there are three considerations to students learning in the classroom.
- Choice of task
- Level of engagement or activity in the task
- Willingness to persist at the task
Consider some of the characteristics of networked learning and personal learning networks, for example collaboration. (Chen. 2003). Chen implies that because of the various learning strategies that takes place during collaboration the learners takes more ownership of their learning and in the process are much more motivated. Laat and Lally (2004) article also mentions the idea of collaboration in that a member belonging to a group is motivated to fit into the group. The self-worth theory is connected to this concept do to the fact that student often times strive for success to feel a sense of belonging or ownership. (Covington, 2000).
Collaboration is just one form of how motivation plays a role in networked learning and personal learning networks. However, there is also a correlation to Siemens (2005) notion of connectivism to personal learning networks and motivation. Not only did Siemens (2005) mention the role of motivation to collaboration but also that it plays a vital role in education. Student motivation is important when you consider the use of a personal learning network or anything education related. If student does not show some type of motivation their learning as teachers we stand the chance of losing them.
“Networks are constantly forming. As a dynamic process, networks can aggregate into larger structures (a network of networks). Networks can also be deconstructed into smaller structures. For example, everyone has some type of personal learning network. When an individual works for an organization, they bring their network with them, combining as part of the larger network of the corporation. In the course of our daily lives, we move among numerous networks. We are constantly acting upon and being acted upon.” (Siemens, 2005).
George Siemens describes a network as “links between nodes” (2005, p.1). It doesn’t matter if the node is a learner or teacher or tool, a well designed network will provide a natural flow of information. The node is a way of providing organization to information.
My hope was to create some discussion as to how PLN, networked learning and motivation do have a correlation between the three. Does it mean it is right, No, however, my interpretation of the research.
Chen, T. (2003). Recommendations for creating and maintaining effective
networked learning communities: A review of literature. International Journal of Instructional Media, 30(1), 35-44.
Covington, M. (2000). Goal theory, motivation, and school achievement: An
integrative review. Annual Review of Psychology, 51, 171-200.
Laat, M., & Lally, V. (2004). It's not so easy: researching the complexity of emergent
participant roles and awareness in asynchronous networked learning discussions. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 20(3), 165-171.
Pintrich, P., Marx, R., & Boyle, R. (1993). Beyond cold conceptual change: The role of
motivational beliefs and classroom contextual factors in the process of conceptual change. Review of Educational Research, 63(2), 167-199.
Siemens, G. (2005). Connectivism: A learning theory for the digital age. International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning, 2(1). Siemens, G. (2005). elearnspace. Connectivism: Learning as Network-Creation.
Retrieved April 17, 2008, from http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/networks.htm
Siemens, G. (2005). Learning development cycle: Bridging learning design and modern knowledge needs. Retrieved June 7, 2009, from http://66.102.1.104/scholar?q=cache:sc9vg_FvgsAJ:scholar.google.com/+%22Personal+learning+network
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Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Monday, April 6, 2009
Personal Learning Network - Part 3
In this third posting about Personal Learning Network (PLN), I’d like to expound on the topic by discussing how PLN’s can benefit the learner in the context of individualized learning.
First I like to discuss the notion of individualized learning. In most cases the understanding or knowing of the learner’s personality, intelligence, prior knowledge, past experiences and cognitive styles on learning performance, can categorize individualized learning. Furthermore, this topic is more commonly referred to as distance learning in the K-12 learning environment or quite simply virtual schools. I will focus or refer to this as individualized learning to focus in on a context behind distance learning rather than the wider spectrum that encompasses this topic. Differences between virtual schools and public/private schools are best stated by Randall, and Vanourek (2006):
As far as to how individualized learning contains implications to PLN can easily be based by the characteristics offered by Randall and Vanourek. The mere fact that time is variable in this environment allows the learners to consult subject matter experts for consultation. That is, individualized learning prepares the opportunity for the learner to network through the use of their PLN to scaffold or supplement their learning.
This is just one example of how PLN can be used in virtual schools. Considering that learners may have differing reasons for attending a virtual school, creating a PLN is just one use of how they can be successful in this type of learning environment.
Randall, G., & Vanourek, G. (2006, March 22). The virtual revolution: understanding online schools. Education Next, 35-41.
First I like to discuss the notion of individualized learning. In most cases the understanding or knowing of the learner’s personality, intelligence, prior knowledge, past experiences and cognitive styles on learning performance, can categorize individualized learning. Furthermore, this topic is more commonly referred to as distance learning in the K-12 learning environment or quite simply virtual schools. I will focus or refer to this as individualized learning to focus in on a context behind distance learning rather than the wider spectrum that encompasses this topic. Differences between virtual schools and public/private schools are best stated by Randall, and Vanourek (2006):
“One of the key differences relates to time and learning. In a traditional
classroom, time is fixed and learning is variable (that is, classes are held for a set period of time, and when the bell rings the amount of learning that has occurred varies, sometimes dramatically, by student). In a virtual classroom, learning is fixed and time is variable (that is, the lesson continues until each student achieves mastery. “
As far as to how individualized learning contains implications to PLN can easily be based by the characteristics offered by Randall and Vanourek. The mere fact that time is variable in this environment allows the learners to consult subject matter experts for consultation. That is, individualized learning prepares the opportunity for the learner to network through the use of their PLN to scaffold or supplement their learning.
This is just one example of how PLN can be used in virtual schools. Considering that learners may have differing reasons for attending a virtual school, creating a PLN is just one use of how they can be successful in this type of learning environment.
Randall, G., & Vanourek, G. (2006, March 22). The virtual revolution: understanding online schools. Education Next, 35-41.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Personal Learning Network - Part 2
In this installment of the Personal Learning Network (PLN), I take a look at a blog done on the topic that includes a Youtube video hosted by Will Richardson.
The blog is called The Innovative Educator.
Will Richardson provides knowledgeable information about PLN. He discusses the importance of PLN to the field of education and how it could support those teachers. The most intriguing element to those new to the concept of PLN should consider that our students have been practicing the use of PLN for some time. The drawback is they have no one to scaffold their use of the PLN or the proper uses of it to support their own learning in and out of the classroom. That is, he discusses how those students should properly use their PLN, (ethical use – important term to those in the field of instructional technology) and well as elements of cyber bullying and netiquette. Richardson does offer a solution to this situation by the use of the technique called modeling. Essentially, we do not have to hold our students hands to walk them through proper uses of their PLN but be a model in their development. Therefore, as Richardson says, we (parents, teachers, role-models) create our own PLN to model for our students. When I think about modeling I look no further then my colleagues. They model not only for me and my peers but the students that they teach. They will often incorporate in their lesson new or emerging technologies educational uses for them. For example, one professor will demonstrate the uses of twitter and even show some desktop clients to make it easier for the user. Last, he would demonstrate by asking a question from those in his PLN to gain insight into a topic he wanted to know more about. His hope is to demonstrate the easy access of the program and educational uses as well.
Another nice element to the blog is that it featured a website that could be used for PLN. The website is called Qwestler. Qwestler is shares similarities to other of the social networking websites that you may know about. Take a look at the tour and the info page to gain more information.
After the video the article provides 5 tips to help you create and begin your own PLN. Check out the blog to go through the steps of beginning your PLN. Use this link The Innovative Educator.
The blog is called The Innovative Educator.
Will Richardson provides knowledgeable information about PLN. He discusses the importance of PLN to the field of education and how it could support those teachers. The most intriguing element to those new to the concept of PLN should consider that our students have been practicing the use of PLN for some time. The drawback is they have no one to scaffold their use of the PLN or the proper uses of it to support their own learning in and out of the classroom. That is, he discusses how those students should properly use their PLN, (ethical use – important term to those in the field of instructional technology) and well as elements of cyber bullying and netiquette. Richardson does offer a solution to this situation by the use of the technique called modeling. Essentially, we do not have to hold our students hands to walk them through proper uses of their PLN but be a model in their development. Therefore, as Richardson says, we (parents, teachers, role-models) create our own PLN to model for our students. When I think about modeling I look no further then my colleagues. They model not only for me and my peers but the students that they teach. They will often incorporate in their lesson new or emerging technologies educational uses for them. For example, one professor will demonstrate the uses of twitter and even show some desktop clients to make it easier for the user. Last, he would demonstrate by asking a question from those in his PLN to gain insight into a topic he wanted to know more about. His hope is to demonstrate the easy access of the program and educational uses as well.
Another nice element to the blog is that it featured a website that could be used for PLN. The website is called Qwestler. Qwestler is shares similarities to other of the social networking websites that you may know about. Take a look at the tour and the info page to gain more information.
After the video the article provides 5 tips to help you create and begin your own PLN. Check out the blog to go through the steps of beginning your PLN. Use this link The Innovative Educator.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Personal Learning Network - Part 1
Today will be my first posting in my blog in a while. I have a readings course at the University of Northern Iowa. For this course I had the opportunity to select a topic and find as much media on it as possible to learn more about it. Therefore, this posting and several other postings in this series will be related to the topic of Personal Learning Networks (PLN). The goal of my postings is to discuss PLN and its relation to the PK-12 environments.
The article I read for this posting is Grow Your Personal Learning Network by David Warlick.
Since this is my first posting about PLN it does not make much since to talk about it without first what a PLN is. Warlick (2009) says that PLN is not anything new. In fact the only thing that is new with it is the name that is coined to it. The key to it all is how can one use what is around them to help in the support their learning or knowledge. Originally, as Warlick states, “learning comes from, friends, families, colleagues, reference books, textbooks, television, radio, professional and personal periodicals, and many web-based applications like Twitter, Skype, and Second Life.” (Warlick, 2009, p.13). The reason as to why PLN stands out because no longer is the learner hindered in their learning because of the unavailability of resources, the resources are all around them.
Warlick also describes 3 types of PLN. (2009)
• Personally maintained synchronous connections
• Personally and socially maintained semisynchronous connections
• Dynamically maintained asynchronous connections
Personally maintained synchronous connections encompass the majority of the digital immigrant population (typically those born before 1980. They tend to use the PLN that they are comfortable using like colleagues and friends. Other uses of PLN for this type would incorporate technology including Skype and Second Life.
Personally and socially maintained semisynchronous connections begin to encompass digital native population. Learners in this type are those ones that can multitask while learning. Also includes the use of social networking sites, a viable opportunity to consult subject matter experts on questions that you may have. I see my professors doing this a lot of time using Twitter. If they have a question about something related to technology or education they have a group of friends that they direct their questions to.
Dynamically maintained asynchronous connections is a bit different from the first two discussed. Instead of being connected to people you are instead connected to sources. (Warlick, 2009) Warlick (2009) explained it best with the use of a RSS aggregator or social bookmarking websites. These allow you to subscribe to certain websites for information they you deem important or want to be updated on.
In the end of the article Warlick discusses the component that the PLN is centered around. The component is actually you, the learner. He refers to the fact that as the learner is using someone in their PLN someone is actually using you as well in their PLN.
My take is PLN is a vital term used in this dynamic world of learning, technology, and resources. Not only does it take in to account the world around your but your responsibility as a learner because someone probably references you in his or her PLN as well.
Warlick, D. (2009). Grow your personal learning network. Learning & Leading with Technology, 36(6), 12-17.
The article I read for this posting is Grow Your Personal Learning Network by David Warlick.
Since this is my first posting about PLN it does not make much since to talk about it without first what a PLN is. Warlick (2009) says that PLN is not anything new. In fact the only thing that is new with it is the name that is coined to it. The key to it all is how can one use what is around them to help in the support their learning or knowledge. Originally, as Warlick states, “learning comes from, friends, families, colleagues, reference books, textbooks, television, radio, professional and personal periodicals, and many web-based applications like Twitter, Skype, and Second Life.” (Warlick, 2009, p.13). The reason as to why PLN stands out because no longer is the learner hindered in their learning because of the unavailability of resources, the resources are all around them.
Warlick also describes 3 types of PLN. (2009)
• Personally maintained synchronous connections
• Personally and socially maintained semisynchronous connections
• Dynamically maintained asynchronous connections
Personally maintained synchronous connections encompass the majority of the digital immigrant population (typically those born before 1980. They tend to use the PLN that they are comfortable using like colleagues and friends. Other uses of PLN for this type would incorporate technology including Skype and Second Life.
Personally and socially maintained semisynchronous connections begin to encompass digital native population. Learners in this type are those ones that can multitask while learning. Also includes the use of social networking sites, a viable opportunity to consult subject matter experts on questions that you may have. I see my professors doing this a lot of time using Twitter. If they have a question about something related to technology or education they have a group of friends that they direct their questions to.
Dynamically maintained asynchronous connections is a bit different from the first two discussed. Instead of being connected to people you are instead connected to sources. (Warlick, 2009) Warlick (2009) explained it best with the use of a RSS aggregator or social bookmarking websites. These allow you to subscribe to certain websites for information they you deem important or want to be updated on.
In the end of the article Warlick discusses the component that the PLN is centered around. The component is actually you, the learner. He refers to the fact that as the learner is using someone in their PLN someone is actually using you as well in their PLN.
My take is PLN is a vital term used in this dynamic world of learning, technology, and resources. Not only does it take in to account the world around your but your responsibility as a learner because someone probably references you in his or her PLN as well.
Warlick, D. (2009). Grow your personal learning network. Learning & Leading with Technology, 36(6), 12-17.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
State of the Union
I fell that I am a little over due to add a rant to my blog. So I think it is time to add a new one.
I recently learned that a good friend of mine husband was recently fired from his job. You may ask what is different about that? People get fired everyday. Well before you decide to stop reading this posting let me provide you with a background about the person that got fired and how the company decided to handle the firing.
Background
To keep names confidential I will just call my good friend’s husband named Jim. The company Jim worked for was a newspaper company that provides the news for several of the cities and towns in and around my location. This newspaper company is by no means a New York Times, or a Atlanta Journal Constitution. But they tend to do a good job, and besides I do not live in a huge metropolitan area that the NYT or AJC have behind them.
Now Jim has been associated with this organization for not 10, 15, or 20 years. He has been working for this organization for 35 years. 35 straight years. I have to say it one more time 35 YEARS. Than why did he get fired?
Well he must have done something terribly wrong. Maybe he had a sexual harassment case brought up against. Or maybe he was embezzling money from the job. Or, I got it, after 35 years he was sick and tired of getting up everyday and going to work, and was often times showing up late or not coming at all. Well rest assured it was none of the above. Jim simply got fired because he just so happened to fall into the group that got fired this time.
Over the years this newspaper company would gather a bunch of the workers together and fire them. The company may include a reason why or it may no. Jim has made it through this entire time without getting fired. Maybe I need to do some more investigating because I just do not understand.
How it happened
Jim’s superior one day last week called a meeting. Jim and 49 others were to be present at this meeting. Then the news was broke to them. But the most disturbing part was how it the news was giving to them and the subsequent events.
Jim was fired with 49 others without given a reason. After 35 years of loyal, dependable, hard work to this company he gets fired for no rhyme or reason. Next the company brought in local law enforcement to keep the peace. Each of the 49 people was supervised by the police as they gathered their belongings and was walked off the premises. Jim had some of the perks provided to him from the company which included a cell phone that had to be turned in as well.
Now
I don’t really understand the firing and how the company decided to handle it. Quite frankly it may not be any of my business. But I wonder if it is a result of now. Or current state of the economy may be the reason for it. I just read the other day that the National Basketball Association had to lay off 20 (not sure if that is correct number because 40 keeps popping in my head) people because of economic concerns. I don’t know…But as one human being to another, Jim deserved a reason. Even if Jim did not care to here it after 35 years it deserved that much than to be escorted of the premises by the police.
I recently learned that a good friend of mine husband was recently fired from his job. You may ask what is different about that? People get fired everyday. Well before you decide to stop reading this posting let me provide you with a background about the person that got fired and how the company decided to handle the firing.
Background
To keep names confidential I will just call my good friend’s husband named Jim. The company Jim worked for was a newspaper company that provides the news for several of the cities and towns in and around my location. This newspaper company is by no means a New York Times, or a Atlanta Journal Constitution. But they tend to do a good job, and besides I do not live in a huge metropolitan area that the NYT or AJC have behind them.
Now Jim has been associated with this organization for not 10, 15, or 20 years. He has been working for this organization for 35 years. 35 straight years. I have to say it one more time 35 YEARS. Than why did he get fired?
Well he must have done something terribly wrong. Maybe he had a sexual harassment case brought up against. Or maybe he was embezzling money from the job. Or, I got it, after 35 years he was sick and tired of getting up everyday and going to work, and was often times showing up late or not coming at all. Well rest assured it was none of the above. Jim simply got fired because he just so happened to fall into the group that got fired this time.
Over the years this newspaper company would gather a bunch of the workers together and fire them. The company may include a reason why or it may no. Jim has made it through this entire time without getting fired. Maybe I need to do some more investigating because I just do not understand.
How it happened
Jim’s superior one day last week called a meeting. Jim and 49 others were to be present at this meeting. Then the news was broke to them. But the most disturbing part was how it the news was giving to them and the subsequent events.
Jim was fired with 49 others without given a reason. After 35 years of loyal, dependable, hard work to this company he gets fired for no rhyme or reason. Next the company brought in local law enforcement to keep the peace. Each of the 49 people was supervised by the police as they gathered their belongings and was walked off the premises. Jim had some of the perks provided to him from the company which included a cell phone that had to be turned in as well.
Now
I don’t really understand the firing and how the company decided to handle it. Quite frankly it may not be any of my business. But I wonder if it is a result of now. Or current state of the economy may be the reason for it. I just read the other day that the National Basketball Association had to lay off 20 (not sure if that is correct number because 40 keeps popping in my head) people because of economic concerns. I don’t know…But as one human being to another, Jim deserved a reason. Even if Jim did not care to here it after 35 years it deserved that much than to be escorted of the premises by the police.
RSS Control Station 4
Overall my experience with the RSS Control Station went well. It is valuable to further my knowledge of all the resources that are available to me through Google.
As I stated in my prior posting, it is nice for Google Reader to do the work for me. Thus far, I have subscribed to 11 different blogs and Google Readers goes to each one of these blogs every time to sign in to check and see if the author(s) of the blog posted something new. I can read each on of the blogs from my reader and even can link directly to the blog if I want to get more information.
There were several different things I could do with my subscriptions in Google Reader. One of these advantages has to deal with organization. I was able to create folders on my Google Reader to help maintain some type of order with the blogs and associate blogs for educational purposes and others for leisure.
Using Google Reader for educational uses would not be difficult at all. In higher education Google Reader could be used for keeping up with campus news, sports, changes to policy, and any other uses a college or university sees fit.
In K-12 Google Reader could be used by each one of your students in a classroom. Especially, useful in Reading classes when the teacher would like to include literature circles. On days when the student has reading to do at home or outside the classroom the student can post his notes on or reflections to their blog. The teacher to subscribe to the blog to see how the student is doing on their readings and also students could subscribe to each others blogs.
iGoogle is a great tool I could use on a personal level. I enjoyed the many features associated with the website. The different gadgets found throughout the website is particularly useful. I find myself going over seas at least once a year and the currency converter is a great tool to use just for that. The podcast player is another great tool because I can use the RSS functions in my podcast player to subscribe to different podcast. iGoogle also provides a direct link to my gmail and twitter accounts through the use of the gadgets that they have.
Overall I just love to use this site. A one stop shop as I called it before.
The RSS Control Station assignment I particularly enjoyed because of the iGoogle page. They have gadgets for just about everything that you could think of.
As I stated in my prior posting, it is nice for Google Reader to do the work for me. Thus far, I have subscribed to 11 different blogs and Google Readers goes to each one of these blogs every time to sign in to check and see if the author(s) of the blog posted something new. I can read each on of the blogs from my reader and even can link directly to the blog if I want to get more information.
There were several different things I could do with my subscriptions in Google Reader. One of these advantages has to deal with organization. I was able to create folders on my Google Reader to help maintain some type of order with the blogs and associate blogs for educational purposes and others for leisure.
Using Google Reader for educational uses would not be difficult at all. In higher education Google Reader could be used for keeping up with campus news, sports, changes to policy, and any other uses a college or university sees fit.
In K-12 Google Reader could be used by each one of your students in a classroom. Especially, useful in Reading classes when the teacher would like to include literature circles. On days when the student has reading to do at home or outside the classroom the student can post his notes on or reflections to their blog. The teacher to subscribe to the blog to see how the student is doing on their readings and also students could subscribe to each others blogs.
iGoogle is a great tool I could use on a personal level. I enjoyed the many features associated with the website. The different gadgets found throughout the website is particularly useful. I find myself going over seas at least once a year and the currency converter is a great tool to use just for that. The podcast player is another great tool because I can use the RSS functions in my podcast player to subscribe to different podcast. iGoogle also provides a direct link to my gmail and twitter accounts through the use of the gadgets that they have.
Overall I just love to use this site. A one stop shop as I called it before.
The RSS Control Station assignment I particularly enjoyed because of the iGoogle page. They have gadgets for just about everything that you could think of.
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