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Learning theories aligned with the pedagogy of networked learning include:
Social learning theory and Social constructivism particularly resonated with me as an educator. In many classes, I have observed students checking each other’s work to double check they have not gone off on a tangent, and to assess the quality of work expected of them. I enjoyed the Outback adventure explanation of social constructivism; I could see an (adapted) version of this occurring in a face-to-face vocational class (Marshall, 2014, December 8). Having trained and taught in the vocational training environment for many years, the hands-on approach is something I enjoy, along with many of the student cohort. Social constructivism is well suited to using a collaborative mode to encourage participation and collective effort in a real-life situation, but I am unsure of its efficacy in a theoretical challenge. I think the key is ensuring all members of the group are invested in success, because if this is not the case, it will fail.
This investment in success is what drives Communities of Practice (CoP): each member is there because they share expertise, and want to improve both their own endeavours, and that of the collective. CoPs are valuable for professional development, sharing new ideas, supportive feedback, and interacting with others from the same field. In this way, relationships are developed, similar to online social networking. Networked individualism is something many Australians engage in regularly – whether it is with a Facebook group, chatting with friends or connections via Snapchat or Messenger, showing your dog’s latest tricks on Instagram, or commentating on the woeful state of Australian politics on Twitter. These varied communication modes ensure you have a wide range of contacts available to you, all you have to do is choose the method best suited to the person you wish to reach out to. To bring the social networking into the learning realm, join relevant groups, develop relationships with those you value for their expertise, friendship or support, and contribute your own thoughts to complete the circle. These social methods of connection are valuable in building learning networks, regardless whether you are a teacher or a student.
References
Hodgson, V., McConnell, D., & Dirckinck-Holmfeld, L. (2011). Chapter 17: The Theory, Practice and Pedagogy of Networked Learning. In L. Dirckinck-Holmfeld, V. Hodgson, & D. McConnell (Eds.), Exploring the Theory, Pedagogy and Practice of Networked Learning (pp. 291-305): Springer. Retrieved from https://ebookcentral.proquest.com. Marshall, B. (Producer). (2014, December 8). Social Constructivism in Action: A Trip to the Outback: Brett Marshall, Jessica McCrea and Makesha Hillery. [Video file] Retrieved from https://youtu.be/ZY1swmDdU3k Oddone, K. (2016, September 16). Learning through connections - in theory. [Blog post] Retrieved from https://www.linkinglearning.com.au/learning-through-connections-in-theory/ Siemens, G. (2008, September 28). A brief history of networked learning. Retrieved from http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/HistoryofNetworkLearning.rtf Wellman, B. (2001). Little Boxes, Glocalization, and Networked Individualism. In M. Tanabe, P. van den Besselaar, & T. Ishida (Eds.), Digital Cities II: Computational and Sociological Approaches. Digital Cities 2001. Lecture Notes in Computer Science (Vol. 2362, pp. 10-25). Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-45636-8_2 Wellman, B. (2016, April 30). The Network Revolutions Are (Mostly) Good News. [Blog post] Retrieved from http://futureswewant.net/barry-wellman-network-revolutions/ Wenger-Trayner, E., & Wenger-Trayner, B. (2015). Introduction to communities of practice. Retrieved from https://wenger-trayner.com/introduction-to-communities-of-practice/
1 Comment
Tanya Silver
19/5/2019 12:30:37 pm
Hi Karen, thank you for simplifying the definitions, I have been struggling with the differences between them all. Just thinking about networking and learning theories - in your experience have you found that certain theories such as social learning theory and COP are more beneficial when people can interact in person? Although I suppose using means such as social networking allows for a wider spread of participants from a variety of places.
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About meI'm a learning designer from Geelong in Victoria. I have worked in vocational education and training for many years, and for the last four have concentrated entirely on creating learning content to support teachers and students. Archives
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