Communities of Learners

Over the past few weeks of this course we have been focusing on the true role of technology in the classroom and the idea that technology should not drive our lessons, but rather it should enhance how we teach and what we teach.  The focus should always be on the content, or goal of our lesson, and how best to achieve that goal.  Technology should make it easier to reach those goals, but not be the end goal.  In addition, we have been immersed in the best pedagogical practices and how to create student centered learning opportunities.  Whether we utilize Inquiry Based, Project Based, or Direct Instruction learning models, they all have the basic tenants of Constructivism at their heart--lessons should be student driven, allow students to activate prior knowledge, and allow for plenty of collaboration with peers.  

The focus that all of the learning models put on collaboration was what really struck me, and I was reminded of a TED talk video by author John Green that focused on how technology can be used to help create what he termed "communities of learners".  In the video, he discusses his own learning experience and how learning did not become effective or fun for him until it held more personal meaning.  Once he felt that he could see the big picture better, see the horizon, he had a more natural desire to see what was beyond that horizon.  His main point in his presentation, however, was that student driven learning is directly benefited by creating a “community of learners” that support and engage each other throughout the learning process.

              John Green’s TED talk explains how these communities can be enhanced and even created through the use of technology.  Sites like YouTube, tumblr, Khan Academy, and even his own YouTube channels like Crash Course and VlogBrothers, help students find new communities.  These communities support and guide each other through their common interests, questions, and goals.  The ability to learn is directly connected to a student’s desire to learn.  If they are interested, if they have peers who share that interest and desire, they are more likely to work hard to find answers to their questions, especially if the questions are their own. If you have the time, the video is well worth it!