First guided thoughts
Sept 2017
What is important in learning?
First and foremost, motivation; the joy of discovery, the desire to get better, to develop ourselves and to improve the world around us.
Secondly, the ability and willingness to reflect. Including reflecting on the ‘why’, the ‘what’ and the ‘how’. We shouldn’t be powering ahead with full steam in the wrong direction.
In my opinion people are constantly learning. We cannot not learn. The important difference is in what learning happens with a purpose and what learning is conscious learning and what we do with what we learn.
What kind of learner I am? Explain why.
I was good at school, I enjoyed knowing, being good at things. I found studying easy most of the time. I showed interest in most subjects and wanted to have a good relationship with the teachers (which actually led to some negative consequences regarding the issue of trying to fit in, but that is a different story). I think I was curious enough, and still am, to find joy in learning. I would surround myself with things that aided my learning process, like maps, a globe, books in original languages, etc. I never minded spending money on good quality office supplies or books beyond what was compulsory literature. I was lucky enough to have been able to afford that, and to have parents who were always supportive and gave space for trying my hands at different things. When I was 10, we had to study Latin, and while it wasn’t my favorite subject, one saying did stick with me and comes to my mind more and more often nowadays: “non scholæ sed vitæ discimus” which means "We do not learn for school, but for life”.
One other aspect, however, was that over time I developed a feeling of ‘fear of failing’. I failed very seldom, which made me believe I was just naturally good at everything (I believe it was also the effect of how my extended family was regarding, reacted to and communicated my successes). So when, for the first time I failed badly, it knocked my confidence. I have become much more careful at starting something new. I procrastinate more and doubt myself more, whether I will be able to succeed at the end or not, and what other people think of me and my abilities. I would often ask myself, am I good enough?
During job interviews you are often asked: “So what makes you the best candidate?” I loathe this question. How would I know? I don’t know any of the other candidates. How could I compare myself to them? This question can lead on to other questions, like “Can I be best at anything?” All my thinking has resulted in this life wisdom: There is only one thing you can best at, and that is being You. No one else can be better at being You.
During high-school years, but even more afterwards, while reflecting back on that time, I became rather upset that no one (referring to teachers here) cared about my personal thoughts or ideas. Why didn’t they matter? Why there has to be an assessment that compares me to everybody else?
I have come to realise that I am much better at synthetizing ideas and concepts than memorizing them.
As long as the learning objectives/tasks make sense, I am all in and will give my 100%.
So to conclude I am very driven and very motivated as long as the subject of learning has significance to me, personally.
What is the role of collaboration in learning?
To develop complex problem solving skills, creativity, critical thinking, learning skills, communication, decision making skills. To improve self-awareness and other-awareness. It helps to widen and/or deepen one’s understanding of a certain issue (the world) by being exposed to other views and perceptions, experiences and ways of existing.
What kind of collaborator I am? Explain why.
I learn easily independently, but that kind of learning is limited, both in its scope and its depth. I enjoy bouncing off ideas, learn from others, getting challenged in my factual knowledge as well as attitudes. I also try to challenge others in their beliefs and make them step outside of their comfort zone. But I do recognize this can be uncomfortable for some. So my main objective in relation to collaborative work is to learn how to balance this - pushing people enough for them to change, but not too much to get them estranged and reserved.
I am also rather talkative and proactive in driving things forward, so it is also a good test to my ability to judge the extent to which I need to restrain myself in a given situation and when and how to give space for and encourage others. (It would be rather beneficial to include some sort of feedback loop into our courses and to foster a culture for both giving and receiving of open feedback.)
I also like to be well equipped, with connections or resources, so I can make sure the team has what it needs to progress with its task without major setbacks.
What is the role of technology in learning and collaboration?
Technology gives another dimension to living. It makes ‘time’ more tangible. Past events and experiences become easier to access and analyze. It also makes the present more observable, immense amount of data visual and easily comprehendible.
It enables people to create an environment that is very personal and customizable. It allows for risk free learning and testing (like learning to drive a car or a plane, or examining the human body, etc). In many cases it reduces costs of such learning too.
It gives individuals a chance to pursue a lifestyle that would be impossible without it (in the case of digital nomads, or geographically dispersed teams). Learning and knowledge will cease to be a privilege (like through MOOCs, etc). Access to information will cost less, hence involving more people in the creation of new knowledge.
Reflect and ponder how you can capitalize on the LET studies in the future in your role as an expert in learning and educational technology.
I will have a network of trusted experts behind me.
I will be able to connect people/organizations and support their development and provide customized solutions regardless of their geographical location.
My work will be based on the latest developments in the field (theory as well as practical application).
I will have the skills to engage in continuous professional development.
…
To be continued…