Personal learning networks supporting authentic learning

Introduction

This wiki explores some of the links between personal learning networks and authentic learning.

Authentic learning

Authentic learning environments are similar to the ‘real world’ (Lombardi, 2007). Grounded in connectivism, authentic learning draws upon the learners’ past experiences, challenges the learners’ current belief system and assists in the building of new knowledge through experimentation, simulations, and connections to the real world (Siemens, 2005). Learners have the opportunity to establish and join multiple communities with similar or different world views (Herrington et al., 2003). Well-designed user-friendly technology applications can help achieve the goals of authentic learning (Herrington & Oliver, 2000). Collaboration and social networking tools provide the opportunity to access new sources of information in resourceful and motivating ways (Dlab & Hoić-Božić, 2009). Lambert (2001) identifies 21st century learners as independent learners with the capacity to create, manage and sustain environments whereby collaboration and learning have no boundaries. The flexibility, interactivity, and collegiality of PLN provide learners with the ability to direct and support authentic learning (Herrington et al., 2003).

Personal learning networks

Personal learning networks (PLN) connect and support communities of similar interests (Žubrinić & Kalpić, 2008). These communities generate the power to find new information, draw and share each others’ experiences and build new knowledge (Downes, 2009). Netvibes, NING, Pageflakes, My Yahoo!, iGoogle are only a few of the tools available for free on the World Wide Web that can be used to create personal learning networks (Ivanova, 2009). PLN tools can facilitate the management of online information sources by providing a framework to build a digital environment unique to the learner (Herrington & Oliver, 2000). This environment can harness the power and tools of global community to generate new meaning (Dlab & Hoić-Božić, 2009). The connection created by professionals, global citizens and authentic resources through online collaboration using PLN tools can foster and sustain intellectual growth critical to authentic learning experiences (Herrington, Oliver & Reeves, 2003).