Today, I am learning to embrace the ‘collective’ – a collection of people, skills and talents that produces a result greater than the sum of its parts. Collectives are defined by an active engagement within the process of learning. People learn through their interaction and participation with one another in fluid relationships that are the result of shared interests and opportunity (Thomas & Brown, 2001).
Students have signed up as experts who can mentor one another in various aspects of the course. Students have identified areas for growth and seek experts to support them. Beyond learning from each other, they are learning with one another.
Today I am learning about balancing structure and freedom. I am learning about the importance of maintaining purpose and direction while attempting to maximize the freedoms afforded by media. Each day is different; each day I reflect and modify. I am excited to move forward and continue in the work where I am no longer the expert.
Thomas, D. & Brown, J. (2011). The new culture of learning: Cultivating the imagination for a world of constant change. Charleston, SC: CreateSpace.
Robin Parker (@robinparker12) teaches junior high, spends free time working on a doctorate and goes for an occasional run to maintain sanity.