Have you heard of the Ringelmann Effect? Max Ringelmann (1913) experimented with groups of people and individuals pulling weights. He naturally found that the more people he added to the group, the less each person pulled individually. Many of us have also tried to exercise on our own in our lounge-rooms following a daily routine from an exercise app, but after a while we tend to slacken off; in an exercise class surrounded by other people, we push ourselves. Interesting concept, yet not difficult to grasp. Today, through social media platforms, Facebook, Instagram, Tweeter, Blogs, Snapchat, to name a few people tell stories, reflect, learn, communicate and connect. Before embarking on this connected learning journey through this blog “In Sync with Books – A Book Readers Hub” I will take the time to utilise the knowledge and tools available to me through the Unit LCN600 “Connected Learning”, coordinated by university lecturer Dr Kay Oddone.
This blog is comprised of connected learning theories explained and explored through a mind map, representing a tapestry of elements and interconnected learning. Knowing what this blog should sound like, feel like and look like is the first step to crafting the connected learning hub. If I was to take a walk through the mind map and its learning spaces, I may notice things differently from other readers, and here different perspectives are important. Other readers may notice things I have missed, and the evidence of learning together is clear through visible thinking. Connectivity encourages a positive culture, since participants reflect on their interests, their vision and values. By participants, I am implying to the book readers in the Book Readers Hub. Everything the book readers tell is intended to weave the connected learning community web. The mission of the Book Readers Hub is its delivery to the readers;
“Contribute useful information and thoughts, and you will soon find that others will be keen to follow you”, (Novak, 2012).
Connectedness with the wide world is like any other art form – it becomes a personal interest and a passion when it is discovered. In knitting classes people don’t make wool, cotton or thread, they make jumpers and doilies; in pottery classes people don’t make clay, they make pots and vases. In connected learning through social media, practice skills, information and interests that communicate something are combined and shared; problems are solved; random or uninteresting elements are excluded. Some research is showing that, connecting with the world and like-minded people today is an approach that motivates people. We connect to the world without having to leave home, and expert advice on any subject matter is always at our fingertips.
Books written in many languages give readers a special ability to communicate and connect with people who share the same interest. In reading a book, some readers strive to perfect grammar, the English language, pronunciation, or vocabulary words not found in their everyday surroundings. A Readers Hub connects them to the wide world in many ways. It connects them to real, likeminded people, as well as a real audience. This connectivity fulfils a need by connecting the readers to their area of interest where they explore, share special talents and skills to a web of connected learners and a wide world purpose.
In Sync with Books - A Book Readers Hub 