Developing as a Connected Learning

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFdzz26g-EE

This interesting and short video by DML research hub explores connected learning. Teachers in the video identify that there is no defined future, which leads to a need for students to be flexible, adaptive and creative. We need to ignite learning through sites of engagement, interest, and passion. The video identifies issues with fundamental questions that focus on outcomes -  what we want them to learn - and how the goals, content and everything else is defined by that. They argue that the core question should be what is the experience we want students to have, thereby focusing on engagement, and the needs of students. 

Education is now 'whole village'. It is not just school that educates students. Learning is everywhere. Imagine concentric circles: connecting with interests, parents, communities, online. How do we bring people together to create greater 'connectedness'?

I think that this is a key question: how could the learning of my students be more social, participatory, interest-driven and relevant to the opportunities of our time? At my school connected learning is a work in process, as we work to develop connections with and between students, whanau and the community. For me personally, I am on the way to becoming a connected learner. Fellow Mindlab learner, Keren, created this visual representation of my learning network (thanks, Keren!):


My family are at the centre of my network; this invaluable resource enriched by teenage sons and a partner who is also a teacher. Spiralling out from this precious core are my students, classes, school and community, supported by subject associations and social media. I tweet, ever so intermittently, and because of Mindlab am using Google + more, and through these media am developing a deeper appreciation of what it means to be a connected teacher. 

Here is my interpretation of Keren's learning network (created on Piktochart).

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