Creating a PLN (Networked Learning Project)
Objective: develop and use networked learning to create a personal learning environment/network for 21st century research and design.
Preparation
- Each learner selects his or her topic of study, (what you know, what you want to know), and establishes a research question.
- Acceptable/Responsible Fair Use policy is discussed.
The project is positioned within the following perspective.
What if your teachers disappeared and you had to learn on your own? Would you give up on learning? Where would you begin? Why would learning be important? You are an empowered learner. You have the power to learn anything. How much you learn is up to you. How you manage your learning is up to you. How you manage your time is up to you. A big part of your success will depend on how well you are organized.Introduction of Tools
Web applications are introduced one at a time to give participants the chance to master the tool within the context of the study topic. Digital literacy is integrated into these lessons as needed. The essential questions of digital literacy are presented.- Where can you go for good information?
- How do you know if you can trust what you find?
- How will you find subject matter experts you can trust to help you learn?
- Why is reflection important when you are learning something new?
- Why is it important to share what you’ve learned? How will you share?
Web Application (Components of the Networked Learning Environment for Research)
Social Bookmarking (RSS) "Delicious"and/or "Pinboard"
- Explain Really Simple Syndication (RSS) and evaluation of Websites
- Set up the account
- Subscribe to each others accounts
- Bookmark, read and annotate at least 5 reliable websites per week that reflect the content of chosen topic
- Add, annotate and read at least 3 additional sites each week.
Note Taking (Information Management) "Evernote"
- Create Evernote account
- Begin content collection
News and Blog Alert (RSS)"Google Alert"
- Create a Google Alert of keywords associated with selected topic
- Read news and blogs on that topic that are delivered via email daily
- Subscribe to appropriate blogs in reader
Personal Web Aggregator (RSS, Information Management) "Google Everything", "Symbaloo" and "Netvibes"
- Introduction to Google, Netvibes and Symbaloo for Learning
- Customize choice
- Start by creating a Homepage
- This will build as participants learn new tools
News and Blog Reader (RSS) Google Reader, Reeder RSS Feeds
- Search for blogs and newsfeeds devoted to chosen topic
- Subscribe to blogs and newsfeeds to keep track of updates.
- Set up gadgets in Symbaloo
Personal Blog(RSS)/Mobile Blog "Blogger"
- Create a personal blog
- Post a personal reflection each day of the content found and experiences related to the use of Networked Learning Research Environment pertaining to project topics
- Find bloggers with similar topics subscribe to blogs in reader
Internet Search (Information Management, Contacts, and Synchronous Communication)"Google Scholar"
- Conduct searches in Google Scholar and Fogler library databases for scholarly works.
- Bookmark appropriate sites
- Consider making contact with expert for video conference"
Video (Research, Fun) "Vimeo"
- Create and Account.
- Create a Channel.
Photo Sharing "Flikr or Picassa"
- Create and Account.
- Upload Photos.
- Share Photos.
- Interest of Participants
Video Conferencing (Contacts and Synchronous Communication) "Skype"
- Identify at least one subject matter expert to invite to Skype with you, group, family, community for your project.
Once the personal learning environment is constructed, the learner will continue to conduct research and navigate new content on a daily basis. Activities will be divided between introducing a tip or offering a research theme for the day, actual time spent conducting research will vary.
Synthesis- (Suggested at 1 to 2 weeks) "Google Site or Blog Page"
- Craft a final synthesis of your work.
Other Networks
Covered with time remaining or interest.Podcasts (RSS) "iTunesU" "Academic Earth"
- Search iTunesU or Academic Earth for podcasts related to topic
- Listen or view to at least 4-10 podcasts or lectures
Microblogging "Twitter"
- Create and Account
- Follow 10 Individuals or organizations you found during research.
- Advanced use as interested
- Steele-Maley, T (2010). Networked Project Design
- Drexler, W. (2008). YouTube - Networked Student. YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. Retrieved February 24, 2011, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwM4ieFOotA
- Portions of this Project Design have been adapted from the work of Dr. Wendy Drexler with permission.
I think that in todays society technology plays a big role. It is crucial for people to be able to look up facts or conference with people across the globe just by opening a app called Skype. On a final note it is amazing that someone can log on to Itunes U and listen to podcasts made by actual college professors!
ReplyDeleteWhat I'm looking forward to is to get to know what things we can do with all of the different sites we are signing up for. What may be difficult for me is some of the projects we are going to do becauseI don't know if they are going to be hard to do or easy. My first topic of research I might do is maybe more about how scientist can use the internet to find out what a certain organism is or something like that.
ReplyDeleteWhat are you looking forward to and what may be difficult?
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to learning more about the computers and how they work, but at the same time that will be hard for me, because i am not to good with computers.
What will be your first topic of research?
How do people with disabilities use technology
I am looking forward to what tools we are going to have to work with what im least looking forward to is the projects we will have to do. My first topic of research is forensic science.
ReplyDelete