Archive for the 'MOOC' category

Lurking in week 1

Jan 15 2011 Published by under MOOC

This has been a busy week, but I have now completed the readings from the Learning and Knowledge Analytics course (LAK11). I’ve listen to the recordings, except the end of week wrap-up which I haven’t found as of yet. As much as I like to actually join the live sessions, it was not possible this week.

Learning Analytics is something I know little about. In fact, since my research interest appears to be informal work-based learning and getting away from measurement, it may be an area in which I will spend little time. However, I have learned a lot, and my interest has been sparked. I’m sure I need to understand more, as I will continually face those who want to see the ROI and other measurements in work-based learning. New ideas are bound to come to my mind, and I’m not against showing quantitative data.

I found the articles enlightening, and the discussion forum is a definite source of ideas. It is good to see that there is discussion relating to corporate training, not just higher education institutions. I have to confess to lurking this week, and it might continue this way unless I do find I have something to contribute, but this is truly working for me at this point. I hope that does change, as it is the participation that makes a course. However, I believe it is recognized that many taking such courses do not actively ‘speak’ but still learn. That is how I find this week has been for me.

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Another MOOC, Connectivism and Connected Knowledge

Jan 06 2011 Published by under MOOC

Having recently written about the upcoming Learning and Knowledge Analytics (LAK11) course, I completely forgot about a second one, Connectivism and Connected Knowledge, CCK11. The former will last six weeks, while the latter is twelve weeks in length. Stephen Downes and George Siemens are the facilitators for CCK11, and George is one of the facilitators for LAK11. Introductions are already underway in LAK11 in advance of the January 10, 2011, start, and CCK11 will commence January 17.

I’m registered for both courses. My plan is to try to participate fully in both. Once they are underway, I will have a better opportunity to assess my involvement levels. The unknown is the amount of work to anticipate as part of my doctoral program, subject to my acceptance. I sent the application by courier today.

By the way, if you are really interested in MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses), there is one on Digitial Storytelling, ds106, that a couple of colleagues from the PLENK2010 MOOC that are already registered. You can follow discusssion from each of the courses on Twitter.

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Introduction to Learning and Knowledge Analytics

Dec 31 2010 Published by under MOOC

As we enter the New Year, and my PhD application is almost ready to go in the courier to the UK, I am getting set to participate in another course that will relate to my research studies. You may have read previous entries about the Personal Learning Environments Networks and Knowledge course in which I recently participated. It was run as a MOOC, being a Massive Open Online Course. This new course, Introduction to Learning and Knowledge Analytics, will also operate as a MOOC. Taking from the draft syllabus, “Learning and Knowledge Analytics is a conceptual and exploratory introduction to the role of analytics in learning and knowledge development.”

If it is like the last course, there will be a mass of information coming from different directions. Learning to manage it is one of the key skills. My goal is to get through all of the readings, follow the discussions and contribute, attend the live sessions, and reflect by blog where I can. To me, the reflection is such an important part of learning. If I can talk about what I have learned, and apply it to what I already know, then I am making progress. Assuming I do proceed with the doctoral research, this will be a major skill to develop as I encounter all of the literature in the field.

We will be using the tag LAK11. You are welcome to follow along, but why not register and participate to the level that your time and interest allows? Everyone is welcome, there is no cost, and there are no worries about late or missed assignments. You will not be graded, although you are certain to be praised for your contributions.

Thanks to the Technology Enhanced Knowledge Research Institute (TEKRI) at Athabasca University for offering the course, and especially to the facilitators: George Siemens (TEKRI, Athabasca University), Jon Dron (SCIS, Athabasca University), Tanya Elias (Athabasca University), Silvia Currie (BCcampus), and Dave Cormier (University of Prince Edward Island).

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