While our iPad groups may not be massive, or even a course, a lot of what we are trying to do is explained well in the video that follows. Please take a few minutes to watch it.
Some takeaways:
- You can find networks of people with the same interest(s). Participating in these networks is a powerful way to learn.
- Due to the Internet, access to information and expertise is no longer the problem it used to be.
- Participation is important for any type of learning. Engagement is critical to learning.
- Formal courses offered by schools have significant barriers to entry (time, location, cost...) and thus may not be the easiest way to encourage life-long learning. Open networks have low barriers to entry. Open networks work well in rapidly changing times.
- In a MOOC, the work is accessible. One person's ideas can (should) illuminate others.
- MOOCs promote independent learning.
I am commenting because we were asked to. If I was made aware of a MOOC which directly addressed my needs, I would join in. My online learning community consists of fellow international school librarians, and we communicate via the IB OCC and ECIS iSkoodle.
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