Learning 2.0. Or is it Learning, 2.0? The punctuation difference is slight, but the structure and ensuing interpretation is quite significant. See, when I first heard of the Learning 2.0 project, I immediately assumed that the latter delivery was appropriate. I envisioned some futuristic learning facility where education had been elevated to new heights and dimensions. I imagined walking up to a set of massive metal doors with a retina scan, the doors sliding open, and a Hal Douglas-esque voice proclaiming, "Welcome to Learning, 2.0."And then, after looking around the Learning 2.0 website, it seems pretty clear that the developers of the project intend for visitors and participants to learn web 2.0 technologies. But I still prefer my futuristic vision. I think the latter interpretation is totally appropriate. Not only are the technologies being learned new: This is a new way of learning. Learning in the digital landscape. Learning, 2.0.
Here, you are given the syllabus, directions for all of the tools you will need, and a preferred timeline. The rest is up to you. I find the self-discovery model (as described on the Learning 2.0 website and in the Lifelong Learners tutorial) especially useful when orienting oneself in the digital landscape. You can find similarities in layouts and navigational tools that expand across the entire web this way. You can begin to grasp the immense power of an interconnected physical and virtual world. The ultimate goal is not only learning how to use this limited set of technologies. This is about improving information technology literacy.
This model of education fits very nicely with Lifelong Learning objectives. Technology is constantly changing, and a successful Lifelong Learner will know best how to increase their technology literacy. I, for example, don't know much about HTML and CSS, and I am super psyched to explore these technologies in class.
The Lifelong Learners section also made me realize that I've always considered those lifelong learners in my life to be the most vibrant and youthful people. I think this will ring especially true as technology continues to develop. I, for one, am motivated NOT to be one of those "How does this damn VCR work?!" adults. I truly believe that the technology gap that exists between elders and the youth today will shrink, if not disappear. Info-tech literacy is becoming a core life skill. Welcome to learning, 2.0.
I agree with a lot of what you say here, especially about technology being something you have to continue to learn throughout your life. However, I'm not sure if I agree with your comment about closing the digital divide between different generations.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I think that the distance is closing among youth and adults, there are still many people who are not picking up the new technology. Some are way ahead of the curve, others way behind. Although I think the general body of knowledge of technology will be greater, I think there will still be a broad range of people who are willing (or unwilling) to learn how to use new technology. Just like those who were willing to figure out what a CD is vs. those who are still upset that their 8-track is out of date, I wonder who is going to refuse to give up their iPod for whatever the next "big thing" will be.
Thanks for posting! Here's a quick response, maybe we can get a bit more into it in class.
ReplyDelete1. My comment was more directed into the future. There are plenty of folks nowadays(like my pops) who are reluctant to learn new technologies, and they can choose not to.
Which leads me to my second point...
2. Choosing not to learn certain technologies in the future will either A) not be a sensible option or B) won't affect an individual's overall info-tech literacy. I say A because I think certain technologies will be so important to functioning in society that you will have to learn them in order to prosper. And I say B because individuals will (or in my view should) have a high enough degree of info-tech literacy that they will most likely be able to navigate through the most current technologies with ease. So it's not so much they are choosing not to learn them, just that they have enough basic knowledge to use the technology properly.
Awesome post! And your web page doesn't hurt the eyes, either. How did you do this? I enjoy learning about the latest technology and am excited to pass some of the information on to the students I teach. For example, we discussed Twitter the other night. We talked about how companies, libraries and news outlets are using Twitter on a daily basis. As an English teacher, I should probably teach students these new "real world" skills. I should teach them how to say what they need to say in 140 characters or less. Obviously, the five paragraph essay is important, but it's highly unlikely they will be asked to write one for work. However, it's frustrating because my district blocks pretty much every website out there. I wish there was a way to explain to someone, somewhere the importance of utilizing technology in the classroom to its fullest potential so that we can prepare these kids for the future. Otherwise, they will be the one's who can't figure out the VCR, not me. Just some thoughts for the day...
ReplyDeleteVERY interesting post and follow-up comments! You may also have to take into account the "digital divide" of the "have's" and the "have-nots" - even kids today without access to newer technology - or who go to schools without access to learn about any of this stuff!
ReplyDeleteGreat work! Keep this up!
Also, good link out to a You Tube video. And, a question: Where did this photo come from? Is it yours? Is it Creative Commons? We'll be talking more about this, but it is important to know what images you can and/or cannot use on your blog....
ReplyDelete