“The Connected Teacher” interview with Alec Couros by Howard Rheingold
In this interview Couros and Rheingold discuss the ideas of network learning and the necessity of connections. It is important for a learner to know their networks and tools around them that enable them to communicate with in a network. However, Couros stresses the important of the human element and necessity of human connection. Couros explains that what endures beyond the most current platform is the human connection, the community that is created with in these platforms and a dialogue between people is essential. What this means for the idea of “co-learning” is how do learners (both students and teachers) interact within these communities to no only learn but to make their learning visible and accessible for other learners. There is a two fold idea with in this necessity to make a learners learning visible and accessible with a learner being able to show not only what they have learned but how creates more opportunity for learning, by processing and reflection the learner is better able to determine how the learning is happening which allows for retention and further development. And, the second aspect to this is that the learner has developed better teaching skills.
Some of the other interesting aspects that are brought into the conversation during this interview is how to make this learning environment personal and individual so that the learner is motivated to learn. Couros explains that assigns his students a learning project where they have the opportunity to learn and develop a new skill on their own with in the many platforms and communities available on the web. This is such a great approach because it provides the learners with opportunity to learn in the way that is best for them and allows for a unique margin of trail and error. Now that the learner has taken their learning into their own hands there is more responsibility to develop their ideas and concepts on their own.
Catherine Gill 