Siemens' presentation of the four metaphors of education not only takes into consideration the new age learner, but also the comfort level of the instructor who is expected to guide from the side as the content expert. One can view the instructors role as the manager who provides an outline of expectations, and then allowing the worker to use their on procedure to complete the process only calling on the manager when they need advise. This view can be equated to that of the classroom teacher; however, Siemens suggest that they become less involved in directing students and more concerned with creating self-directed learners.
Because of digital media, today's learners are less dependent on instructors to teach them in a structured, teacher directed class filled with lectures and study guides. These autonomous learners realize the availability of information and answers to their questions can be found on the internet to coin the phrase, " at the click of a mouse." Therefore, today's instructor has to find ways to incorporate technology into instruction to meet the demand of the new found millenial age group who has come to rely on technology for social and daily interaction.
I believe that the examples presented by Siemens of the various theorist on learning in a digital age has merit. However, I will say that I believe these models will not be able to stand alone as technological innovations continue to sweep the market. What I see is a blending of Browning's atelier model, Fisher's network administrator, Bonk's concierge model and Siemen's curator model to create a sense of student interaction and effective pedagogy to keep pace with how today's students access material, develop knowledge and learn. For example, as with the atelier model with its open instructional setting, this idea allows the students to learn from each other as well as from the instructor. The class as a whole can be seen as knowledgeable and capable of helping each other while the teacher maintains the role of the expert in residence, ready to help if needed. In a asynchronous technology environment, students are able to learn from one another in the same way with the teacher as the expert. The network administrator can support the atelier model by helping students build network connections which can help them find the sources needed to complete assignments through their interactions with one another via blogs, podcasts, and etc. The concierge continues the process of helping students find new ways of discovering information and interacting with classmates to complete assignments. The curator blends it all together to encourage student focused learning with the teacher serving as an content expert on the side.
In the end, I see opportunity for advanced learning by simply taking the metaphors of educators to create advanced learning opportunities which are supported by the digital age, taking into account a generation of students whose learning style has been developed through the use of computers. The ultimate goal should be to look for opportunities to support student learning via technology and social interaction to encourage discovery, construction and connection to increase learning and knowledge.
Reference:
Siemens, G. (2008). Learning and knowing in networks: Changing roles for educators and designers. Paper presented to ITFORUM. Retrieved from http://it.coe.uga.edu/itforum/Paper105/Siemens.pdf
Dziuban, C., Moskal, P. & Hartman, J. (2005). Higher education, blended learning and the fenerations: Knowledge is power no more. MA: Sloan Center for Online Education. Retrieved from http://www.sc.edu/cte/dziuban/doc/blendedlearning.pdf
Monica
ReplyDeleteI agree that these four roles of the educator address the needs of the new age learner. I feel that these roles, with the exception of the concierge, works best in an online setting. You point out that the instructor serves as a "guide from the side." I like that because it proves true for a lot of online instructors. They provide access to content and questions for thought, but they let learners find their own path to get to the objectives. It is important to develop the common goal of the class, but as students want a asychronous learning environment it is also important to let them venture out on their own. As I discussed this topic I felt that the conceirge, with lectures, is not ideal for an online asychronous learning environment. Do you feel that online sychronous lectures by instructors are a good idea? I feel they would make a connection among instructors and learning but in today's busy society would that be ideal for time constraints?
Monica,
ReplyDeleteI agree that learners today have more experience with technology. But from my personal experience with teaching online and teaching my f2f class in a computer lab, I have quit a few students who barely know how to use Microsoft word. I am beginning to think that maybe we are over preparing for technology and not helping students learn basic technology skills. It causes me much frustration when I think they will be able to easily set up a blog (for example) and can't do it.
Renee,
ReplyDeleteAfter reading your concerns regarding the concierge, I believe that today's technology allows the instructor to provide explanations which may get overlooked by students in their search. Also, for some students, brief or soft lectures can provide a focal point to online learners which maybe missed during their readings. As new technology has the ability to record lectures for later use by students, I believe that freedom for studying online will not be compromised. In the end, it is probably comes down to a matter of what's best for the individual learner. I enjoyed your comments.