edna.edu.au

The development of a PLN

I have just read a blog post by Liz Davis about the Power of Educational Technology, in which she aligns her journey of creating an online Personal Learning Network (PLN), with Erik Erikson's theory (1956) of The Stages of Social-Emotional Development in Children and Teenagers.

Erikson's stages are as follows:

• Learning Basic Trust Versus Basic Mistrust (Hope)
• Learning Autonomy Versus Shame (Will)
• Learning Initiative Versus Guilt (Purpose)
• Industry Versus Inferiority (Competence)
• Learning Identity Versus Identity Diffusion (Fidelity)
• Learning Intimacy Versus Isolation (Love)
• Learning Generativity Versus Self-Absorption (Care)
• Integrity Versus Despair (Wisdom)

For each stage Liz has reflected on her own learning journey as she has ventured into a world full of web 2.0 tools where a sense of real communication and collaboration occurs. I think many of us can identify with her experiences if the comments made by other readers of her blog are anything to go by.

I think personally I have passed stages #1 and #2. I feel I have only recently come to terms with stage #3. I have only really gained enough confidence to say what I feel and think in some networks like Twitter instead of saying what I think others will want to hear. I do sometimes feel, as a Newbie that I have nothing particularly groundbreaking or intelligent to say in my networks... I would like to think that I am just starting to scramble up to #4 and am starting to affirm what my role/niche is online.

So does Erikson's theory extend beyond Adolescences and in Adult Learning? I think as Liz mentions, in the case of building a PLN it can almost cycle for all of us. So what experiences have you had in building your PLN? Would you say that Erikson's stages describes your journey or the journey of those that you mentor? Do you identify with the notion differently?

Please don't hesitate to share your thoughts.

Tags: development learning pln learning theory
Posted at 02:13PM Feb 19, 2009 by Alison Hall  |  Comments[0]

The 21st Century Classroom

I came across this great presentation on what a 21st Century Classroom looks (or should) look like by Kim Cofino, whilst browsing through Slideshare.

Tags: 21st century learning ict teaching slideshare
Posted at 03:32PM Feb 13, 2009 by Alison Hall  |  Comments[3]

Do Not Go Quietly into the Classroom

Do not Go Quietly into the Classroom: David Truss

A thought provoking look at the benefits of using technology in the classroom - for your own personal and professional growth. Why do you use technology and web 2.0 tools in your teaching and learning?

Tags: teaching web 2.0 learning ict
Posted at 12:31PM Oct 28, 2008 by Alison Hall  |  Comments[0]