Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 |
Quote: "In the new information economy, expertise is less about having a stockpile of information or facts at one's disposal and increasingly about knowing how to find and evaluate information on a given topic." (Thomas & Brown, p.93) This chapter argues it is no longer enough to know a lot of facts; it's important to learn how to find information, evaluate it, and create new meaning. Question: This chapter, again, brings up that point that imagination & play lead to learning, but as I've continued to read this book I keep on wondering, what constitutes as 'play?' Connection: Thomas & Brown point to that students may not exactly know certain facts off the top of their head; however, for the most part they do know where and how to find the information. This just connects back the ideas also put forth by Will Richardson in "Why School?" Information can be accessed easily within a matter of seconds by completing a quick online search. What is more important, therefore, is helping students learn how to sort through all of that information. Epiphany: The whole concept of "where" vs. "what" presented in this chapter just really stuck with me. It's time to move away from transmitting facts and move towards helping students (amongst other things) maneuver through the ever-changing flux of information they have access to. | Quote: "We believe that these three practices [hanging out, messing around, and geeking out] could frame a progression of learning that is endemic to digital networks." (Thomas & Brown, p.100). This quote shows how technology and the internet have completely transformed the way we - especially youth - learn. Question: At the end of this chapter I had the same question as the one posed by the authors, "How can I utilize the available resources, bot social and technological, for deep exploration?" Connection: This chapter emphasized the power and importance of collaboration for learning to occur. Learning is not just a singular, private action that can occur without the assistance of any resources. I know that whenever I have had to learn something new - anything from changing a windshield wiper to baking banana bread - I always try to seek advice from those who already have some experience with the learning task on hand. It's all about connecting and sharing, whether it be through a face-to-face interaction or through a virtual platform. Epiphany: Collaboration is key when it comes to learning. By communicating and collaborating with others, especially through the available resources online, learning can take many forms. |
Chapter 9
Quote: "Solutions are not discovered so much as they are organically grown..." (Thomas & Brown, p.110). Learning involves a combination of personal interest, inquiry, collaboration, experimentation, and sometimes even failure. Students need to know there is not just one "right" way or answer, and they themselves can find a new solution as they continue to ask questions and collaborate with others.
Question: Ultimately, how will I facilitate student learning within the classroom while still giving each student an opportunity to pursue their passions?
Connection: The connection I made in this chapter is related to the quote I found interesting. One way to provide students with agency and more control over their learning is by giving them an opportunity to assess themselves and their progress. This is similar to what we have discussed in the credential program (for example, provide students with rubrics). One difference, however, is that through the new culture of learning model, students would be setting their own goals which they would then use to evaluate their overall performance.
Epiphany: It is of crucial importance to incorporate play and imagination within the classroom. The world no longer cares about the number of facts stored in an individuals brain, and neither do students. Instead of stifling student creativity, innovation, or their innate sense of inquiry, we must allow and encourage students to ask questions, pursue their interests, and just experiment.
Question: Ultimately, how will I facilitate student learning within the classroom while still giving each student an opportunity to pursue their passions?
Connection: The connection I made in this chapter is related to the quote I found interesting. One way to provide students with agency and more control over their learning is by giving them an opportunity to assess themselves and their progress. This is similar to what we have discussed in the credential program (for example, provide students with rubrics). One difference, however, is that through the new culture of learning model, students would be setting their own goals which they would then use to evaluate their overall performance.
Epiphany: It is of crucial importance to incorporate play and imagination within the classroom. The world no longer cares about the number of facts stored in an individuals brain, and neither do students. Instead of stifling student creativity, innovation, or their innate sense of inquiry, we must allow and encourage students to ask questions, pursue their interests, and just experiment.
References:
Thomas, Douglas, and John Seely Brown. A New Culture of Learning: Cultivating the Imagination for a World of Constant Change. Lexington, KY: CreateSpace?, 2011. Print
Thomas, Douglas, and John Seely Brown. A New Culture of Learning: Cultivating the Imagination for a World of Constant Change. Lexington, KY: CreateSpace?, 2011. Print