Action: Work With Peers to Develop Appropriate Learning Network Approach

December 4, 2021 admin Action

The possibility of building a “learning network” is a concept that came out of the Inclusive Design Foundations course this Fall semester, in  specific cohort-led class that I happened to be assigned to facilitate in a group. By doing research on the work of Stephen Downes, my team and I determined that a de-centralized learning network, much like the ones proposed in his presentation linked above, would be highly beneficial to the Inclusive Design cohort as a means of collaborative learning and resource sharing during the development of our MRPs.

A learning network also serves the purpose of acting as another means to build my network among peers, contribute knowledge to the group in a form that may represent emerging, effective methods of education, and access resources shared by other contributors that may aid in other goals I am aiming to achieve. Creating a network in this way was also a source of inspiration for the format of this personal learning plan.

The exact form this network will take and timeline for its implementation is not yet decided, however, we are intending to tackle the subject over the break before the Winter 2022 semester.

What will I do to achieve this?

• Connect with peers to establish exactly what form this learning network should take in order to be beneficial to everyone
• Take a leading role in implementing the technical solution(s) necessary to realize this idea
• Contribute knowledge and provide feedback to the network on a regular basis once it is built

Which goals / related actions will this action help me accomplish?

• Develop new skills
• Gain experience as an educator
• Develop academic and professional network
• Find and produce summaries of readings on theoretical design knowledge
• Find and produce summaries of readings on practical design & tech knowledge

What resource(s) will I need to be successful?

• A number of potential platforms (Twitter, Tumblr, Canvas, Notion, others with networking capabilities), depending on the preferences of the cohort (likely one that provides the least significant barriers to entry)
• Time with which to set up the network and manage it on a regular basis
• Summaries of knowledge sources I may find and wish to share with the group and seek feedback on