Facilitators: Jonathan Worth, Kira Baker-Doyle
In the quantum learning space where interest is a key driver, how do we employ the same dynamics in our teaching? Or, how do we leverage the power of open? How do we maintain trust and a sense of security in open networks? How do we build our networks? What is social capital? How do we enable at-large learners to engage in our courses? Where should we teach our classes?
- Video of Jonathan (annotated), in response to Mike’s “Why?”.
- Preparatory activity “Is my data showing in this?” (did you do the bonus task?)
- [Week 1] Leveraging our “Why?”
- Make #1 — Network Audit: Who do you wish you’d gone to school with? (it’s in the link above)
- Blog/audio post reflection (that’s your job, you need to do this).
- Webinar : Kira Baker Doyle “What is Social Capital?”
- Webinar : Martin Hawksey “Visualising the Meta-class”
- [Week 2] Joining the Conversation
- Blog post — Reflection on changes: How is your network beginning to evolve? (Over to you again)
- Webinar : Nishant Shah and Ulrich Boser “Trust as a transaction and trust as a habit both, human and technological”
Special thanks to Dr Laura Ritchie for her help on the Privacy, Security and Trust content and whose involvement had to remain secret until after the unit had run in order to not give the game away …. 🙂
Deeper content that Facilitators can consider:
A question of trust? Five tips to encourage innovative approaches to open learning (David Kernohan @dkernohan)
This article summarizes successful open learning strategies used by the Phonar team at Coventry University in the UK.
- Deep Cuts (books to geek-out on):
Thrive: 5 Ways to (Re)Envigorate Your Teaching (Meenoo Rami, 2014)
In this book, Meenoo Rami, co-founder of #Engchat and public school English teacher in Philadephia describes what it means to be a connected educator. In a simple and open way, she discusses the whys and hows of finding a mentor, building a professional learning network, connecting with students, and fostering connected learning.
The Networked Teacher: How New Teachers Build Networks of Professional Support (Kira J. Baker-Doyle, 2010)
In this book, Baker-Doyle traces the ways in which four beginning teachers developed support networks during their first year of teaching. The book includes a layman’s introduction to social network theory and offers suggestions to educators as how to develop social support networks that meet their professional needs.
Social Network Theory & Educational Change (Alan J. Daly, Editor, 2011)
If you really want to get under the hood of social network theory in education, this is the book for you. This edited volume showcases some of the most prominent research on social networks in schools (with a primary focus on teachers). Readers will develop a strong background on the concept of social networks and how they affect the lives of educators and their students.
Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community (Robert Putnam, 2010)
This seminal text describes the relationship between social capital and democracy. Putnam argues that there has been a decline in civic participation in community groups and organizations, which directly affects civic awareness and participation in democratic institutions more generally. This is a great book to spark debate – is there less civic participation now than there was 20 years ago? How has the Internet changed the way we participate in civic life? If you want a shorter read, check out his original 1995 essay: “Bowling Alone: America’s Declining Social Capital”
The Network Society: From Knowledge to Policy (Manuel Castell & Gustavo Cardoso, 2005)
This massive edited text describes the historical shifts in industry and communication over the last century, moving us into a globally-connected, networked word. The contributing authors explore how increased connectedness has changed society at all levels.
- Newsletter at the end of the week created by facilitators and/or co-learners.
- Support self-organized activities by learners.
