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It is obvious that education is a changing environment and that technology plays a big role in the shift we see in our learning spaces. The video, RSA Animate: Re-imagining Work simplifies the need to change our workplaces and schools to one that fosters:
- infrastructure that promotes creativity and innovation
- opportunity for authentic collaboration
- creation of a culture around openness and trust
It seems clear that a combination of these factors will create a positive, progressive workplace for students. So, if this can really be achieved
why do you need a teacher?
According to the connectivism video on the networked student, a teacher can help to:
1. Navigate the Internet
2. Learn how to find credible information
- Develop skills to maximise learning online
Why do you need a classroom?
1.To navigate and understand the power of face-to-face connection with people
2. To engage in immediate groups discussion, question and answer response and debates
Susan D. Blum recognizes and considers the fact that “learners are people” and require meaningful interaction. MOOCs (massive open online courses) and other online methods fail to physically engage the person and are primarily a method for knowledge delivery. Students may accept learning in this way but they will also crave social connections and networking that a classroom can offer.The classroom is not a relic and not something that will completely disappear in our future.
We need human connection.
MOOCs, connectivism, badges and global collaboration all contribute to learning in new ways but the need to foster social, emotional and physical interactions will always pull us together. We need to stop thinking it is one or the other, and embrace the improvements that these areas of learning create. With a balanced approach of a classroom environment combined with the new innovation and personalised learning that can happen with technology online we will help facilitate students with a full skill set to be successful in a rapidly changing world.
By promoting a true connectivism approach in my classrooms, the learning and collaboration will continue after students leave the classroom and in the best case scenario after they leave my course. This is the COETAIL model. This course has provided learning which is shared and creates a network of educators who understand the value of global collaboration and connectivism in the process. Continuation of blogging will allow these connections to grow, evolve and change our practice in a way that is authentic and true after course five ends. Furthermore, this experience is one I would like to model and create for my senior high school students. I will continue to evolve my approach to blogging and online community creation to extend the learning that occurs in the standardised school day.