Connected Learning: A Reflection
A big emphasis during the UIWP institute has been Connected Learning. Connected learning is "socially embedded, interest-driven, and oriented toward educational, economic, or political opportunity. Connected learning is realized when a young person pursues a personal interest or passion with the support of friends and caring adults, and is in turn able to link this learning and interest to academic achievement, career possibilities, or civic engagement" (qtd. in Antero Garcia's Introduction for Teaching in the Connected Learning Classroom).
Connected learning isn't a brand new way of doing things; it's a framework for understanding our current pedagogies and pedagogies we would want to adopt. Of course we want to create passionate and critical citizens who contribute to society. Of course we want to drive our instruction on student interests. But, teachers often feel they don't have the means to achieve this.
This past week I've started to realize how I've been a connected learner ever since I became a teacher. I am driven by my passion for teaching and my desire to help students flourish. I am motivated to be a valuable member of my staff, to have a say and an impact on how education drives policy (despite how it's always the opposite). I am participating in social communities based on these shared values, beliefs, and goals. And, most significantly, I am constantly learning more and more how to "be" a teacher, and how to try and be a good one.
In the UIWP, I've been given a great opportunity to strengthen all those facets that drive me. I can now say I'm more connected to educational communities, and I feel like I'm a part of the conversation. I've learned valuable approaches and practices from my colleagues. And I've had a great time doing it.
I want my students to experience the same thing. Obviously they all won't become teachers, but still, it's my job to help them flourish. It's my job to make my classroom a Connected Learning classroom. Otherwise, I'm just recycling the problematic model of banking education--"fill their heads with knowledge so they can be successful." That's not what learning is. That's not how knowledge works. You don't learn knowledge, you create knowledge.
Connected learning allows students to create knowledge and find meaning, find investments to drive their interests and goals. They aren't banks; they are their own agents of learning.
Connected learning isn't a brand new way of doing things; it's a framework for understanding our current pedagogies and pedagogies we would want to adopt. Of course we want to create passionate and critical citizens who contribute to society. Of course we want to drive our instruction on student interests. But, teachers often feel they don't have the means to achieve this.
This past week I've started to realize how I've been a connected learner ever since I became a teacher. I am driven by my passion for teaching and my desire to help students flourish. I am motivated to be a valuable member of my staff, to have a say and an impact on how education drives policy (despite how it's always the opposite). I am participating in social communities based on these shared values, beliefs, and goals. And, most significantly, I am constantly learning more and more how to "be" a teacher, and how to try and be a good one.
In the UIWP, I've been given a great opportunity to strengthen all those facets that drive me. I can now say I'm more connected to educational communities, and I feel like I'm a part of the conversation. I've learned valuable approaches and practices from my colleagues. And I've had a great time doing it.
I want my students to experience the same thing. Obviously they all won't become teachers, but still, it's my job to help them flourish. It's my job to make my classroom a Connected Learning classroom. Otherwise, I'm just recycling the problematic model of banking education--"fill their heads with knowledge so they can be successful." That's not what learning is. That's not how knowledge works. You don't learn knowledge, you create knowledge.
Connected learning allows students to create knowledge and find meaning, find investments to drive their interests and goals. They aren't banks; they are their own agents of learning.