Please see the above video on how learners can connect with their community.
Turner, A. (2015). Community Connections [Video file]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/GF50l46X0_M
Turner, A. (2015). Community Connections [Video file]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/GF50l46X0_M
What is a Personal Learning Network? Richardson and Mancabelli (2011) define PLN’s as “the rich set of connections each of us can make to people in both our online and offline worlds who can help us with our learning pursuits” (p. 21).
In “From Knowledge to Action” a report for Alberta Education (Parsons & Beauchamp, 2009) “it has been demonstrated through qualitative studies that students who engage in deeper learning show higher achievement levels than those who only acquire surface learning” (p. 7). Thus, supporting learners in connections with real experts, especially in their own community, fosters deeper engagement than would a “standard in-class approach focused on textbooks and handouts” (Richardson & Mancabelli, 2011, p. 30). Research demonstrates learners who have been provided partnerships with community art experts show increased engagement (Barry, 2010; Imms, Jeanneret, & Stevens-Ballenger, 2011) and learner self-efficacy and self-monitoring (Stevenson & Deasy, 2005), self-confidence (Barry, 2010).
The power of personal learning networks to enhance learning allows learners to make connections with people all over the world, at any time, any where and at a learner’s own pace which is a goal of Alberta Education's Inspiring Education: A Dialogue with Albertans. Parsons and Beauchamp (2009) further posit “Learners are not restricted to the convenience of educational providers. Learners can control the scheduling and pacing of their learning activities. In a flexible learning environment, learners can also control how they study.” ( p. 175).
Thus, by fostering authentic connections with real experts in the community, such as local gardeners and green houses, local artists, the Alberta College of Art & Design, The City of Airdrie, family members as well as online sources, we hope to develop connections for learners to expand their own PLN.
How? Freisen & Scott (2013) state learning today "includes using digital networking platforms to allow students to interact with experts in various fields as well as to collaborate with their peers to create, share, and exchange knowledge and ideas" (p. 4). Leading by example, educators will begin with modeling PLN, and methods and benefits of reaching out to others. For example, the use of Skype to interact through video to discuss the project with a mentor and also online in a class blog. We will foster a class personal network and outside connections. The mentors and public will be able to see what the learners are creating and sharing and comment to provide feedback and participate in learning (Friesen & Lock, 2010).
By fostering an outside audience of interactions, learning becomes a shared partnership with the community.
Written by Alison Turner, 2015.
contributing author: Alison Turner
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