After listening to a lecture by John Sealy Brown on teaching practices in a new digital age, I learned that many educators are re-examining the best pedagogical approach to learning and what practices best support learning with the emergence of online learning and web 2.0 technologies. The following comments are solely derived from the lecture from John Sealy Brown. In education, it will be very important for educators to prepare students for a constantly changing world during this digital age. During this technology digital era, the world is constantly changing so it makes sense to prepare students for the changing landscape the digital era will have over the next 50 years. As organizations become flatter, it is most important to prepare students for the interchangeable and collaborative environments they will go to work in. It is important for students to become lifelong learners. John Sealy Brown agrees that a social view of learning is the most important and relevant for the future of students. Social learning (or social constructivism) suggests that understanding of knowledge is usually socially constructed (through our conversations and teaching others what we have learned). Essentially, A collaborative environment is where students best construct their understanding of knowledge. The Internet can greatly support this type of learning with the use of discussion forums, blogs, wiki, and on-line collaborative activities. With Web 2.0, social learning can be built around collaboration as students learn through conversations about content and interact with problems. Students are often turning to social networking sites as a forum to discuss their homework. With this in mind, teachers will play an increasing role as the orchestrator in the creation of this knowledge and to increase the collaboration in learning activities.
An interesting point made in the YouTube clip was from a comment about the single determining factor played a role in a student’s success at Harvard University. I found it interesting that the best indicator of success was a student’s ability to join or form study groups. The collaboration found in study groups is where student’s can socially construct their understanding. The overall point being made by John Sealy Brown is that the virtual world is just as effective as in the real world.
An interesting point made in the YouTube clip was from a comment about the single determining factor played a role in a student’s success at Harvard University. I found it interesting that the best indicator of success was a student’s ability to join or form study groups. The collaboration found in study groups is where student’s can socially construct their understanding. The overall point being made by John Sealy Brown is that the virtual world is just as effective as in the real world.
From a students perspective how do you feel about online study groups. Have you done any online group work before. In my research I have found that students often complain about the group work in online classes... saying that organization is value is limited. For group assignments the work is just divided up and students do not see the value. How could a study group be designed and facilitated for students?
ReplyDeleteAn online study group can be set up through Skype. Everyone can see each other and the group can present their findings virtually. Granted, not everyone has webcams these days, but I think it could possibly work. I recently had a 3 way conference call in Skype where I was able to see and talk live with family in Chicago and Africa. John Sealy Brown commented on the greatest benefit of the virtual study groups was in the preparation for exams. I don't see the benefit in sharing online assignments, as students often get graded on their individual contribution and it is very difficult to coordinate conflicting schedules.
ReplyDeleteEducation is the process by which our mind develops through format learning at an Institution like a school, college, or university. It is mental and intellectual training which provides opportunities of growth and helps to overcome obstacles to progress. Therefore, It is often compared to light which removes the darkness of ignorance and helps us distinguish between right and wrong.
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