Toward a Networked Writing Classroom

Connectivism, Content, Collaboration, Composition

Jason Tham, Writing Studies at University of Minnesota @jasoncktham

Exploration

• To (re)imagine a connected learning environment• To consider connectivism in writing pedagogy• To explore the methodologies for research and

assessment

Connected Learning

Knowledgeable Knowledge-Able

Michael Wesch on digital literacy

• “It’s ridiculously easy to connect, organize, share, collect, collaborate, and publish”

• Students need to be able to actively and critically locate and handle strategic knowledge

• TEDxKC: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeaAHv4UTI8

Global Learning Networks

MOOCsMassive open online courses

1ConnectivismCollaborationContent Composition

Connectivism

George Siemens & Stephen Downes on connected knowledge:

• Chaos, networks, complexity & self-organization theories• Learning in nebulous environments• Learning resides outside of ourselves• Focus on connecting info sets• Connection > Current state of knowing

Connectivism

George Siemens & Stephen Downes on connected knowledge:

• New info is continually being acquired• Ability to distinguish important from unimportant info is vital• Ability to recognize effects of new info is critical

Networks: Connections

Transform, Not Reform

Roadmap to connected learning:

• Understanding the power of Personal Learning Networks• Becoming a networked learner• Implementing a networked classroom• Becoming a networked school

2ContentCollaborationConnectivism Composition

Content

Content

Rethinking learning and knowledge making

• Duin: It’s about connections• Problems with current structure: age-grouped, discipline-

specific, teacher-run, loose assessments• Untapped information

Content

New literacies: DIY learning

• Developing proficiency with tech tools• Building relationships with others• Designing and sharing info• Managing, synthesizing, analyzing simultaneous info• Creating, critiquing, evaluating texts• Attending to ethical responsibilities as users

Content

Content

A working definition:

“A PLN involves an individual’s topic-oriented goals, a set of practices and techniques aimed at attending and organizing a variety of relevant content sources, selected for their value, to help the owner achieve a professional goal or personal interest.”

D. Warlick

Content

Introducing Personal Learning Networks (PLNs)

• A group of people, personal & professional, with whom the students may connect for the purpose of learning

• Connections may happen f2f or in the virtual world• PLNs can be current or aspirational• Forms: diagram, contact list, maps, live networks, etc.

Content

Helping students to think about their PLNs

• Who do they talk to or interact with on a daily basis?• How do those interactions take place?• What are the contexts for those interactions? Work?

Family?• What resources do they learn about due to the interactions?• Who would they like to interact with as part of their learning

process?

Content

Students have used PLN to

• Discover possible appealing career paths• Learn about emerging trends in their area of study• Learn the lingo or jargon in their field• Answer questions about their field• Identify opportunities for internship & connect with mentors• Define their digital identities

Example 1: Direct/InMail Contact – Getting connected

Example 2: Veterans Mentorship Program – Expanding my horizon

Example 2: Another InMail Contact – Expanding my horizon

Example 3: LinkedIn Map – Exploring existing connections

• Categorizing the virtual network(s)

• Thinking about roles• Consider interests• Explore represented

knowledge, information, and experiences

Example 4: Coggle.it Map – Building and maintaining connections

3CollaborationContentConnectivism Composition

Collaboration

Key competencies to develop:

• Interpersonal and intercultural communication• Understand different/changing values• Recognize situated expertise and knowledge• Create and maintain trust among various actors within the

larger community

Collaboration

Sharing of networks / Strategic expansion

• Use tools like Google’s What Do You Love for resources• Get in touch with authors, creators, and extend gratitude• Find groups based on personal interests and contribute to

discussions• Attend in-person or virtual networking event

4CompositionContentConnectivism Composition

Composition

Benefits for writing courses:

• Learner-centered• Transparent, accessible• Collaborative• Supportive of problem- and inquiry-based learning• Driven by personalized, authentic assessment

Composition

Bringing PLNs into the writing classroom / Types of PLN assignments:

• Resource Networks• Learning Patterns• Professional Development

Composition

Pilot assignment:

• Developing PLN as a pre-writing exercise• Generating research bibliography• Sharing the PLN and in-class discussions• Evaluations

Composition

Challenges:

• Safety and ethical considerations• Assessment• Ownership and rights• Parental involvement

Conclusion

Going forward

• Consider the strengths and weaknesses of networked pedagogy

• Invent new ways to help students engage with people & info• What tools to use• Resource to start: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqSH5TMYlz4

Toward a Networked Writing Classroom

Connectivism, Content, Collaboration, Composition

Jason Tham, Writing Studies at University of Minnesota @jasoncktham