Principles and Practice

Connected Learning Principles and Practice

Interest-powered

Interest-powered, Peer-supported, Production-centred, Openly networked, Learning oriented, Shared purpose (Ito, et al. 2103)

As my mind-map example illustrates there are six different clusters readers can connect to; each with specific elements to a project to their own interest . Interest Powered cluster offers a learning opportunity and an easy way to connect to others in the world, through book topics they care about. This cluster is composed of elements of interest such as: Learning through books, Let’s Talk Characters, Book Preferences and Books in Other Languages. Examples of this learning connectivity can be a book project of a favourite book, or a character, book hobby or a multimedia project or presentation. When a subject is personally interesting and relevant, learners achieve much higher -order learning outcomes (Ito, et al. 2013). Another example is a participatory presentation, in which the reader designs and conducts an inquiry about a question of their own choosing. Lupton (2017), suggested that “The components of the inquiry process…need to be carefully planned…questioning process is crucial to all stages of inquiry…”. Here connected learners have the opportunity get to know each other in a new way, pose inquiry questions through an open dialogue, and find out more about their passions.

When connecting readers to topics and interests, it is important to remember that the projects about books is still just an information about a book/books. Kuhlthau, et al (2012), comments on the “look around” exploring strategy” …create an environment for browsing where students can browse, scan, and skim lots of resources”. Connected learning works best when the book project is interactive; where readers connect through interaction. “…choosing a novel to read can be an overwhelming experience when faced with the millions of titles available…” (Oddone, 2012). For example, sharing a live book presentation, a Webinar, including information about how the book relates to a certain age group, community etc. It is also important to remember that when connecting with other readers’ interests, the projects, comments or reviews meets certain goals within that cluster/group. “…discovering that one’s personal interests are shared by countless others, opening up horizons of understanding about multiple possibilities for connection in the world” (Garcia, 2013). Personal readers’ interests and in-depth knowledge of a particular topic are easier to relate to other readers’ interests. If a reader for example is studying books in other languages, connecting to readers with similar interests around the world is the way.

Peer-supported

Within this cluster, connected learning is through readers sharing their unique experiences and perspectives. The elements of this cluster includes: Feedback, Book Talk, Readers-In-The-Know; Book Reading Tips and Connected Readers. For example, connected book readers who are qualified, or with an in-depth knowledge on particular issue, or area of interest can provide countless perspectives and views. In their everyday exchanges with peer and friends, young people are contributing, sharing and giving feedback in inclusive social experiences that are fluid and highly engaging (Ito, et al. 2103). If connected experiences for the readers are not quite right here, creating the experience needed, such as a multimedia project where connected learners involvement is encouraged. For example, the latest novel title, made into a movie; what impact it had on the reader? A favourite scene or a passage from the book.

Production-centred

This cluster offers connected learners an avenue that gives them the opportunity to learn about book content and quality book critique work. The readers use books, texts and literature and engage in real life professional relationship, gaining useful information and skills. The connected learning elements such as book critiquing, shared information, books for inspiration, books for learning about a particular interest provides a channel for addressing the readers as an audience; listening and responding to readers’ questions or comments. The social media, and Web interaction keeps learners up-to-date on “what’s new, and what’s not”. Professional learners’ connectedness can be also encouraged through a real or simulated situation, where a reader/author/illustrator can design an illustration for a connected learner in another place across the globe. Digital tools provide opportunities for producing and creating a wide variety of media, knowledge, and cultural content in experimental and active ways (Ito, et al. 2013). Connected readers learn more than just their area of interest – they have more than one way to interact or submit books, articles and stories to multimedia competitions. Readers and new authors can get valuable feedback and find out how their work is viewed by others.

Openly Networked

The internet with its social platforms have created  a web of world-wide human interaction and knowledge, sharing ideas, planning projects and connecting people outside of daily work places. This Openly Networked cluster, creates connected learning opportunities through an array of socially interactive platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, MeWe, Tweeter to name a few. Online platforms and digital tools can make learning resources abundant, accessible, and visible across all learner settings (Ito, et al. 2013). Readers can use these social platforms not only to use their project as a reproduction of ideas, but also to present their original content and connect with the people who have the same perspective on the topic. Photographs and memorabilia can be uploaded and viewed; a book project can create new knowledge using these platforms; knowledge that was not possible to organise and display to the world in such a way, before the wide, world, web was created, and produced the delivery of these social media platforms.

Learning Oriented

This cluster offers opportunities to influence or improve book ideas, open discussions about genre selection: Fiction, Non Fiction, YA, Children’s Literature, Picture Books , Comics. Here, cultural topics and books on Ancient History, Aboriginal stories; recommendations by other readers on what to read; topics and authors with compelling graphics and images can be presented to convince and connect to readers. Learning happens by doing…Learning is experiential and part of the pursuit of meaningful activities and projects (Ito, et al. 2013). Connected learning with the use of media influence promotes different points of view, encourages self-paced learning in a fast, paced, technology driven, and media-rich world.

Shared Purpose

Many readers around the world are passionate about a particular topic. The topics can include health, beauty, racism, poverty to name a few. Often, readers respond to these topics for various reasons, and one possible reason may be that they want to make a change for the better. An author, can include powerful information in their book writing, mixed with statistics, analysis and research. Connecting with readers through social media platforms is an approach used by many authors, on subjects and topics that affect many people today. Social media and web-based communities provide unprecedented opportunities for cross-generational and cross-cultural learning and connection to unfurl and thrive around common goals (Ito, et al, 2013). Shared purpose cluster is about the love of books; forming community meet-up and discussion groups; informing readers of latest e-books; book launches; old and new book shops. This shared purpose, connectedness and learning from each other derives from their love for books.