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).

References

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Downes, S. (2007). Emerging technologies for learning. Becta. Retrieved January 17,2010 from http://partners.becta.org.uk/page_documents/research/emerging_technologies07_c hapter2.pdf

Downes, Stephen. (2007). Learning networks in practice. Becta, 2, 19-27. Retrieved from http://emergingtechnologies.becta.org.uk/index.php?section=etr&rid=14173

Herrington, J., & Oliver, R (1995). Critical characteristics of situated learning: implications for the instructional design of multimedia. , 11(2). Retrieved from http://www.ascilite.org.au/conferences/melbourne95/smtu/abstracts/herrington.ht ml

Herrington, J., & Oliver, R. (2000). An instructional design framework for authentic learning environments. [Electronic version].Educational Technology Research and Development, 48(3), 23–48. Retrieved from http://ro.uow.edu.au/edupapers/31/

Herrington, J., Oliver R., & Reeves, T. C. (2003). Patterns of engagement in authentic online learning environments. [Electronic version]. Australian Journal of Educational Technology, 19(1), 59–71. Retrieved January 17, 2010 from http://www.ascilite.org.au/ajet/ajet19/herrington.html

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Ivanova, Malinka. (2009). From Personal Learning Environment Building To Professional Learning Network Forming. The 5th International Scientific Conference Elearning and Software for Education. 9(20).Retrieved February 1, 2010 from http://www.scribd.com/doc/22583785/From-Personal-Learning-Environment-Building-To-Professional-Learning-Network-Forming

Lambert, Mike. (2001). 21st century learners – and their approaches to learning. ultiBase, 8. Retrieved January 30, 2010 from http://ultibase.rmit.edu.au/Articles/sept02/lambert1.htm

Lombardi, Marilyn M. (2007). Authentic learning for the 21st Century: an overview. Educause Learning Initiative. Retreived January 15, 2010 from http://www.educause.edu/ELIResources

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Warlick.David. (2009). Growing your personal learning network. [Electronic version]. Learning & Leading with Technology, March/April 2009, 12-16. Retrieved from http://davidwarlick.com/wiki/pmwiki.php/Main/TheArtAmpTechniqueOfCultivatingYourPersonalLearningNetwork

Žubrinić, Krunoslav & Kalpić, Damir. (2008). The web as personal learning environment. [Electronic version]. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET), 3, 45-58. Retrieved from http://online-journals.org/i-jet/article/view/576