Week 4 Introduction to CL environment mapping project Your first thoughts about connected learning Purpose of the CL environment mapping project & Assignment 1 What is a CL environment? - CL spheres, CL properties, CL design principles - Key points to consider for your CL environment map Q & A

First thoughts about connected learning Metaphors and pop culture titles that describe CL An ecology, ecosystem – evolving, everything is interconnected, interpersonal, community of learners A tree – a growing, spreading thing with lots of roots & branches Welcome to the jungle – Inclusive exploration of multilayered environment, everything is connected Butterfly effect – dispersed actions & reactions, power of individuals to effect social change thro CL Learning the flute – interest led, peer supported, cross generational, openly networked, equitable Criss-crossing country roads – many connections Mixing paints – CL is colourful & active, creative, messy, fun, production centred Class robot – CL applicable to different learning contexts eg. early years, collaborative, production centred School drama club – Interest-led, peer supported, production centred, academically oriented PLN – Embodies CL, everything is connected, interest led, peer supported, production centred FaceTime, Instagram – CL is openly networked, production centred, offers new perspectives Convoy (movie & song) – power of many working together to solve personal & social problems Everything is illuminated (book by Foer) – new ways of seeing the world, CL is transformative Help (song) – all the platforms & tools can be confusing but collective CL community is supportive TED Talk by Ken Robinson – reflects CL’s emphasis on creativity, collaboration, critical thinking Future of the mind (book by Kaku), shared data –Transformative CL potential of data for social benefit The Feed (book by Anderson) – CL encourages contributing rather than consuming ideas The Matrix (movie) – Technology opens CL doors guided by teacher for transformative outcomes Tape Deck (song & fan video) – CL is collaborative, creative like a band; playful & production-centred Paper towns (book by Green) – Open ended nature of CL, changing reality, make of it what you will Stargate Universe (movie) – Non-tradition learning, gaming, coding, learning by doing, production centred

First thoughts about connected learning Dilemmas of CL Balancing opportunities of openly networked with security & privacy risks in social media Calls for information/digital literacy/digital citizenship development embedded in CL - important role for TLs & info professionals - but also responsibility for all learners & educators Restricted access to social media in schools limits openly networked, production centred learning CL is not all about technology - it’s contemporary pedagogy - CL can happen anywhere by connecting people, interests and info in physical & virtual environments - ‘Traditional’ spaces & tools can be part of CL Blanket blocking of social media seems inequitable in a contemporary learning environment We can advocate for opening up - but need to demonstrate awareness of risk & actively promote responsible use of social media; and promote CL benefits & outcomes The abundance of digital technologies & social media offer an exciting array of CL opportunities – but also can be bewildering, confusing Yes, but … ??!

Critical discussion of the CL environment that you have mapped Assignment 1 2 parts: Map the CL environment of a particular community of networked CL learners, ie: visually represent this CL community’s network and its various elements [2 A4 sheets or equivalent] Critical discussion of the CL environment that you have mapped [Approx 2000 - 2300 words]

Individual project Mapping a connected learning environment Purpose: To explore the CL network of a particular community of connected learners within the wider CL environment: What are the key elements of their CL network? Eg: What is their shared interest? Who and what make up this community of connected learners? How and what do they learn? How does their network connect them and support their learning? How do they use social media/software to connect? What other ‘connecting’ strategies do they use? CL network of a community of connected learners – includes people, media, tools, information, products

What is a connected learning environment? Ito et al. (2013) pp. 60-63 … A community of interest centred on peer interaction A network of interest and expertise with high standards of work and credible information Characterised by a ‘virtuous feedback loop’ between the individual pursuit of learning and excellence and quality of the collective knowledge of the group An alchemy of designed and emergent elements in the process of experimentation and flux What does this mean? Formal and informal learning Interest rather than age or curriculum Individuals contribute to shared, interactive learning Experiential – learning by doing Changing, developing approach – flexible to learners and context

Why map CL environments? To deepen your understanding about the nature of a CL network To enable you to design and support innovative learning To communicate ideas in different modes

Part A: Map Conceptual map Real or imagined CL community you are not required to create any online resources, or to submit detailed lesson/program plans. the map can be hand-drawn - or use social software, eg. concept map, videoscribe, prezi Real or imagined CL community The map shows how the community reflects connected learning principles CL core properties CL design principles Ito et al.(2013, p. 74-81) CL Principles, Properties and Design principles are outlined in the next slides … See Connected learning report (Ito et al., 2013, p. 73 – 86) for details

Connected learning principles CL principles 3 spheres of learning – CL context Interests Peer culture Academic – purposeful learning Core properties Production centred Shared interest Openly networked Design principles Everything is interconnected Learning happens by doing – active, experiential learning Everyone can participate – inclusive, intergenerational Challenge is constant (Ito et al., 2013)

CL principles: 3 spheres of learning (contexts)

CL: Core properties principles

Table 6 Guiding Design Principles for Connected Learning

Key points to consider when mapping your CL environment … Who? Peer culture Peer learners, colleagues, mentors, CL community What? Shared interest, community of learning/practice Why? Academic Purpose, objectives, outcomes How? Social media, personal and professional networks Interactive Inquiry, experience, hands-on production What not to do? Static web site Replicate curric docs, unit outlines, lesson plans Teacher-driven instruction Information overload

Part B: Critical discussion of the connected learning environment Critically discuss the connected learning environment that you mapped (in Part A). Consider the strengths and limitations of the connected learning environment and indicate opportunities for further development. The discussion should: Refer to Ito et al.’s connected learning principles, core properties and design principles (2013, p. 74-81) Explain and justify the distinctive characteristics of the connected learning environment that you mapped in Part A. In particular, address: (i) how peer-supported, interest-driven learning occurs within this environment (ii) how digital technologies and social media support learning and interactions of this CL learning community (iii) further expansion or learning opportunities, and/or risks, for the connected learning community Draw on 3-5 select scholarly references (in addition to Ito et al., 2013) that support your discussion Scholarly: academic written style with clear structure and expression; discussion meaningfully supported with references; full, accurate & consistent referencing (APA preferred)

Part B examples are on Assessment page of LCN600 Blackboard site Assignment 1 Examples Part A: http://cl2017.weebly.com/cl-environment-map-examples.html Part B examples are on Assessment page of LCN600 Blackboard site

Free image from www.pixabay.com Remember to check Assignment 1 guidelines & criteria on LCN600 Blackboard site Free image from www.pixabay.com