Week One – Assignment One – Open Learning
I was intrigued by Alex Couros’ video on “How Social Networking and Openness are Transforming the Future of Teaching and Learning.” Open Practices: Watch Alec Couros' #tietalk (62 minutes) I was somewhat overwhelmed by the number of tools on which Alex spoke. I already knew about facebook, twitter, blogs, etc… What I didn’t know, was of which about how these tools can be used as teaching tools to the extent he talks. He talks about how Twitter is a great conversational place, as I found out the other night when trying to follow along with the #ceetopen Twitter / Search - #ceetopen. He talks about how it is difficult to get scientific journals which ties into the other topic I looked into which is about open research, Open Access Explained! - YouTube. Both Alex Couros and the video that Nick Shockey and Jonathan Eisen made make reference to journals being “open”. It is interesting how they both make reference to the fact that we can’t make headway if we can’t have access to research. There may be another scientist who could add to or correct another scientist’s work. Instead of a paper taking years in the making, it may only take months with collaboration from other scientists from around the world. Only open access of journals/writings can obtain this.
I was particularly interested Alex Couros’ discussion on going from individual learning to social learning and how a student can post something on YouTube and learn how to do something. One example was of a person who wanted to learn how to dance. He video taped himself dancing and asked for advice. He posted his progress on YouTube. Within a year he was dancing like a pro and also teaching others. I did not make the connection before now, but I access others’ advice on the internet all the time. I often make use of blogs or forums from others’ who are having the same difficulty as I am with my phone or computer. It amazes me when I think about the “olden days” when you needed to take your TV or stereo to a repair place to have it fixed when now much of what can be done can be done at home with the sites available to guide you.
My reservations about “open learning” and “open access” is two fold. Firstly, I am concerned about safety issues with regards to children posting something on the web and YouTube. I talk to my students about making sure that if they are posting something that they are sure there are no indicators of where they live, etc… I found two interesting and enlightening resources that I am sharing in regards to internet/social safety: Are You Putting Your Kids Safety At Risk By Posting Their Pictures Online? - You... and Potential Dangers of Posting Pictures Online - YouTube. I had no idea that someone could find out exactly where I am when I take a picture with my geotagging on and post the picture. Secondly, sometimes I am overwhelmed with the amount of information there is on the web when I am searching for a “fix” for my TV or phone. Open access to articles is wonderful, however, I wonder about the quality of the information that is given from others. What is stopping someone from giving bad advice or information that can be a determent to that particular article or journal?
I have definitely been given food for thought in these two particular information pieces. I hope you have too.
Jane Christensen (OLTD502 – VIU)
I was intrigued by Alex Couros’ video on “How Social Networking and Openness are Transforming the Future of Teaching and Learning.” Open Practices: Watch Alec Couros' #tietalk (62 minutes) I was somewhat overwhelmed by the number of tools on which Alex spoke. I already knew about facebook, twitter, blogs, etc… What I didn’t know, was of which about how these tools can be used as teaching tools to the extent he talks. He talks about how Twitter is a great conversational place, as I found out the other night when trying to follow along with the #ceetopen Twitter / Search - #ceetopen. He talks about how it is difficult to get scientific journals which ties into the other topic I looked into which is about open research, Open Access Explained! - YouTube. Both Alex Couros and the video that Nick Shockey and Jonathan Eisen made make reference to journals being “open”. It is interesting how they both make reference to the fact that we can’t make headway if we can’t have access to research. There may be another scientist who could add to or correct another scientist’s work. Instead of a paper taking years in the making, it may only take months with collaboration from other scientists from around the world. Only open access of journals/writings can obtain this.
I was particularly interested Alex Couros’ discussion on going from individual learning to social learning and how a student can post something on YouTube and learn how to do something. One example was of a person who wanted to learn how to dance. He video taped himself dancing and asked for advice. He posted his progress on YouTube. Within a year he was dancing like a pro and also teaching others. I did not make the connection before now, but I access others’ advice on the internet all the time. I often make use of blogs or forums from others’ who are having the same difficulty as I am with my phone or computer. It amazes me when I think about the “olden days” when you needed to take your TV or stereo to a repair place to have it fixed when now much of what can be done can be done at home with the sites available to guide you.
My reservations about “open learning” and “open access” is two fold. Firstly, I am concerned about safety issues with regards to children posting something on the web and YouTube. I talk to my students about making sure that if they are posting something that they are sure there are no indicators of where they live, etc… I found two interesting and enlightening resources that I am sharing in regards to internet/social safety: Are You Putting Your Kids Safety At Risk By Posting Their Pictures Online? - You... and Potential Dangers of Posting Pictures Online - YouTube. I had no idea that someone could find out exactly where I am when I take a picture with my geotagging on and post the picture. Secondly, sometimes I am overwhelmed with the amount of information there is on the web when I am searching for a “fix” for my TV or phone. Open access to articles is wonderful, however, I wonder about the quality of the information that is given from others. What is stopping someone from giving bad advice or information that can be a determent to that particular article or journal?
I have definitely been given food for thought in these two particular information pieces. I hope you have too.
Jane Christensen (OLTD502 – VIU)