Martin de Laat talks about networked learning: Networks are Everything
While listening to this video, I felt very confused. I understand the concept of networked learning and the group named “The Crowd” for teacher’s benefits and what not. However, Marteen goes on to talk about how we should all begin to discover these new Networks that are online, and we should all contribute to them. The only thing that goes through my head when discussing this is… how do we know who were talking to? How do we know if its safe? Some people are really technologically savvy in this day and age and have the ability to put GPS trackers onto other people’s computers/devices just by sitting on their computer. If he’s suggesting for our kids to partake in Networked learning, how do we keep them safe? Marteen states that networked learning is very fluid and open, but to me that is the most dangerous thing about it. In saying that, it means that anyone can partake and do what they wish.
An affordance in relation to Networked learning in my opinion is not so much networked learning itself, but the skills that come with it. From a young age, the skills such as collaborator, creator and communicator can be taught through online networking learning. If we refer back to Alec Courous TEDtalk, as stated in the video, children technically don’t mature online until the age of 11. This is when children must begin to learn these skills that is required of them to become a ‘digital learner’
The main limitation and the one that is sticking with me the most is the fact of children’s safety. Is it worth it in the long run? If I look at it from a parent’s point of view, I don’t think I would be happy with my young child going online to talk to people who he/she doesn’t know. The other limitation in relation to networked learning is that fact that children may get distracted on their device while talking to other people in an educational setting. This can, in turn, jeopardise their grades and marks if it continues and is constant. “There is an ongoing need for sustained and dedicated support, so schools can provide safe and secure digital learning environments” (Netsafe, 2018). Who is the one responsible for ensuring that children are safe and secure on their devices during school time?
References:
Couros, A. (2015, March 17). Identity in a digital world. Identity in a digital world. Canada: Youtube.
Netsafe. (2018). From literacy to fluency to citizenship: Digital citizenship in education. New Zealand. Retrieved from http://www.netsafe.org.nz/2017xyz/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/From-literacy-to-fluency-to-citizenship.pdf
Sams blog 