Subject: [IFETS-DISCUSSION:1218] RE: IFETS-DISCUSSION digest 178 Stephen Downes Reply
From: Nelson, Dennis (Dennis.Nelson@ny.ngb.army.mil)
Date: Wed 21 Feb 2001 - 23:47:21 MET
From: "Nelson, Dennis" <Dennis.Nelson@ny.ngb.army.mil> Subject: [IFETS-DISCUSSION:1218] RE: IFETS-DISCUSSION digest 178 Stephen Downes Reply Date: Thu, 22 Feb 2001 11:47:21 +1300
Might I add a buddy, mentor, partner or friend: perhaps a "signficant
business other" as number 4, and a value base established on the concept of
truth as number 5.
As suggested in digest 178, I got where I am by many courses and the 3
elements listed by Stephen. The path was neither easy nor short. But
critical in my development has been the number four element: the individual
who helped me transform the data, information, and knowledge to applied
wisdom, and element five, a value system driving my introspection and
seeking for knowledge, learning, community and "significant others."
The value system came from the only source possible, role models. Role
models are people who look and act successful over sustained periods of time
and who few can legitimately accuse of ever intentionally hurting others or
achieving personal gain at cost to others. They didn't necessarily role
model the autonomous learning, but they role modeled the search for truth
and the giving of love.
To me, the first four elements are the bricks, the fifth element the mortar
without which the bricks may end up in any kind of a pile or even a fine
house, but of types that cannot stand or continue to demonstrate success
through the normal stresses and turmoil of existence.
For me a sixth element was necessary: difficulies, deaths and other losses
-- is it necessary for all? With all the blessings afforded me, without the
stress that turns coal to a diamond, I doubt I'd be typing this now. I am
thankful for my tribulations without which I took too much for granted, I
judged too many others, I had sympathy rather than empathy, and I didn't
understand love or role modeling.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
3) Re: IFETS-DISCUSSION digest 174
by Stephen Downes <stephen.downes@ualberta.ca>
Hiya Folks,
I would like to weigh in briefly on the subject of autonomous learning,
at least in some disciplines.
In a nutshell, self-directed online learning consists not merely of
online courses (not at all, hardly), but rather, of three major elements:
1. An online knowledge base of resource materials, FAQs, examples,
background information, and more.
2. A learning environment, a place to practice skills without causing
damage, simulations, problems, question sets, and more.
3. An online community of practice, often centered around a discussion
list (like this one), but also supported by collaborative development
environments.
Or as I sum up these elements in slogan form:
Knowledge, Learning, Community
Traditional online courses as they are currently offered by colleges
and universities tend to make mistakes in each of these three major
areas. And it is precisely these mistakes which create the picture
of online learning as stilted and unproductive.
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