March 2009 - Collaboration and the Network

This month we are looking a little into the future and what impact networking and collaboration will have on our society, on knowledge creation and education.

Podcast - "Big Mother" and the Network

An podcast interview with CBC contributor Jesse Hirsch by Maureen Wideman

Play it / hear it - MP3 - 20 minutes

Assessing context-based learning: not only rigorous but also relevant
By Peter Williams

Williams argues that with today’s changing economy to one described as a knowledge economy, teaching and learning must change, but also most importantly, assessment. He advocates for “context-based learning” such as those found in medical and business education.  It requires a shift from " just-in-case education" to "just-in-time education."

At the UOIT library

Fostering Mezirow’s transformative learning theory in the adult education classroom: a critical review
By Edward Taylor

A detailed article concerning transformative learning that is mostly accomplished through work in groups. Mezirow says there are three steps in fostering transformative learning: the centrality of experience, critical reflection and rational discourse. Group settings are best for fostering transformative learning.

At the UOIT library

Assessing Learning and Scholarly Technologies: Lessons from an institutional survey
By Cara Land and Greg Yamashiro

This article reviews a series of surveys taken by students and faculty at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. It found that students wanted more use of technology in teaching and learning. Faculty at this school use technology mainly in the presentation of information. Faculty have difficulty finding the time to learn about new technologies.  Students use technology more in their everyday lives and in their own learning out of class.

http://connect.educause.edu/library/EQM0834

Other Resources:

Say Everything
by Emily Nussbaum, New York Magazine

As younger people reveal their private lives on the Internet, the older generation looks on with alarm and misapprehension not seen since the early days of rock and roll. The future belongs to the uninhibited. Interesting questions raised about privacy.

New York Magazine

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