Virtual Learning Communities reminds me of a nursery rhyme from when I was little by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow that went like this,
There once was a little girl,
Who had a little curl,
Right in the middle of her forehead.
And when she was good,
she was very good indeed,
But when she was bad, she was horrid.
I have been part of some online learning that was collaborative, encouraging and supportive. I have also been part of some that were horrid. Many of my recent experiences were contrived due to the nature of taking classes online. We were taking the classes to get grades and meet requirements not necessarily to build a network or community of modern day pen pals.
Schwier contends in order for these groups to work the participants have to be hospitable to each other. In the class environment a teacher watching is usually enough incentive to keep participants hospitable. Schwier also discusses the need for it to be authentic. This can be hit or miss depending on how relevant participants feel the topics are to their specific situation.
Schwier says “communities spring up everywhere”. These communities that spring up are the ones that are more authentic. The participants have chosen to be there and are looking for the connections and learning. I also prefer the communities where I have had the opportunity to meet the participants. These communities also take some time to develop. This video about using Twitter stresses shared experiences such as all the participants being second grade teachers.
I also think there is a little bit of magic. Every once in a while I get a class that just seems to mesh and work well together. It is the same online. The people make an almost instant connection and have both the personal connection and the learning connection. That is when it is truly energizing.
My Dad always recited that poem to me and I always cried because I know I was horrid at times!! I am that person that the author mentioned. When I close my eyes, I imagine a learning community to be a happy place where everyone gets along and works well together. Everyone is smiling and happy and work well together. The reality is - not so much. I feel at fault at times as the teacher that the learning community does not mesh. I know it is not all my fault, and it really depends on how much energy the participants put into making it work. On the plus side, you are able to work on your own, at your own pace and still obtain the credit you need for your degree!
ReplyDeleteSome of it has to do with the dates. Beginning on March 1st we all need to be an instant community. The other part is maintaining any of those connections when the next "community" starts July 1st and takes up the bulk of my free time. I think it may not be anyone's fault just the nature of taking one online class after another. Just as in life the truly deep connections will stand the test of time an be maintained after the class ends.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Virtual learning can be a hit or miss depending on the participants and timing. I've talked to a number of people who are in cohort groups to earn a masters degree and have seen how well this works with using technology. They are all stakeholders working towards a common goal and it not a 1 and done type deal because they continue with the same classmates the next semester. In any type of virtual learning community it is so important that the group of individuals are willing to put the time in to make it work and to make it productive to all members of the community. As well as conducting themselves in a professional manner.
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