Connecting Transitions and Independent Learning: an evaluation of read/write web approaches

Richard Hall, Heather Conboy
De Montfort University, United Kingdom

http://altc2009.alt.ac.uk/attachments/0000/4454/CoTIL_DMU_04.09.09.ppt

This presentation talked about the differenes in using institutional tools (VLE) compared to social tools for (Facebook) for peer mentoring with around 130 students. Typically the VLE is seen as being more legitimate, formal and strict, and social tools are seen as casual, relaxed and 'chatty'. First year students used Facebook for two months without any realy engagement so staff resorted to what ever methods available.

Embryonic taxonomy defining four types of engagement with reflection:

1. Simple reflection on performance - a questioning approach
2. Emerging critically - a social learning approach
   
3. Sophisticsated critically - evaluating sources and evidence
4. Affective reflection - analytical speaking and writing skills, positive emotional engagement and personal development

Recommendations:

Mentors need to engage more with mentees and discuss the role of the institution and techonlogies. Support staff need to advise about technologies and guidance for communities of practice. Institutional managers need to consider learners using their own technology in the learning place.

Keynote: Michael Wesch

This was a very interesting/entertaining keynote about a changes in culture and society. Michael spoke about how technology is mediating is mediating our culture, and in turn out identities.

He spoke about how is ten year project in rural villages in Papa New Guinee changed the way people lived, for example the layout of homes in the village and how they went from small groups of families to the Western suburban grid style; he also questions whether this was a good thing or not.

With new technology developing and mediating our culture day by day, why are we still using traditional teaching methods? Students appear to love learning, but hate school.

Something new happened at the turn of the last century, the industrial revolution, which brought about something quite significant, 'insignificance' (crisis of significance). Machines replaced people, innovation of the subarban system and eventually television, if you're not on it, you're not important. People were made aware of the bigger picture. One interesting question/statement from a delegate which I beleive highlights this point:

"I sometimes find that I have a brilliant idea which I've created from scratch, only to Google and find that it's already been done two years ago"

Even language changed, with words taking on differing meanings dependant on your generation, such as 'whatever'; Michael gave a brief history of how use of the word has changed over the last 30-40 years.

The keynote ended by highlighting the fact that the cultural shift is now turning us from consumers into creators.

http://mediatedcultures.net

An interesting video from which clips have been used time and time again