Comments on: Collaborative Model Building

By: Richard Schwier

Richard Schwier — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 15:00:07 +0000

I think you’ve uncovered a strong issue, Cindy, when you consider how much and what kind of flexibility is enough. And of course, this is context dependent. As a user, I might want more flexibility for some types of my learning than with other types. But my wishes will be idiosyncratic, at least to a degree.

One thing I’ve been thinking about a lot lately is the issue of authority –how to make choices learner-centred by giving authority to the learner to make choices (or acknowledging that learners always had that choice whether we “gave” it or not). But competing with this is the need to move learners to take that authority seriously — to “make” choices that go beyond taking the default, familiar or less challenging routes.

Okay, now I really have to leave.

By: rdrunner

rdrunner — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 05:37:04 +0000

Thanks Alec. Your comments are very helpful. I think one of the challenges with the model is that it is inherently trying to bridge old and new thinking as it addresses the changing environment while capturing language that appeals across time. And of course attempting to be brief and concise in this version.

The problem is especially true in regards to use of the term “platform”. In its strictest technical sense, a platform is usually defined as the server or its operating system that supports an application. But I think platform can mean the full collection of technology tools that make up the environment. Flexibility is then defined in one of two ways: either the teacher/learner has flexibility to use the environment in a variety of ways or has the flexibility to select a range or from a range of tools. The question is begged: how much and what kind of flexibility is enough?

By: Alec Couros

Alec Couros — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 04:56:20 +0000

Hi Cindy,
Nice post. Here are a few points you may want to consider.

Under “flexible learning platform”, I’d like to challenge your thinking on this. Would the term “platform” apply to the “loosely coupled connection of tools”? And what do you mean by flexible? I assume you mean things like scalable, standards-compliant, etc., as well as the notion of shifting of control.

With “connected”, where does “access” or “accessible” come in?

With “data”, what about the notion of “rich data”?

What about a category re: openness or transparency. Is this something you are considering?

With “professional learning support” I’d just love to get a better idea of what this means, but perhaps this is not the time for it.

Ahhh … I see access there now.

With “technology choices”, are you considering options for technology brought into the institution by students and staff?

I’ve been trying to avoid “Web 2.0″ as a term, especially in documents that will be read in years to come. Social learning tools might be a better generic replacement for longer term thinking. With this, you may also want to consider looking at the potential of the semantic web.

These are great ideas, just trying to help you consider a few things along the way. This is partly selfish as I am really interested in what you are doing here!

Cheers.