Chapter 7
Quote: “Through the process of making, we are also learning how to craft context so that it carries more of the message, which helps solve many of the issues of information overload. Thus, as context begins to play an increasingly important role, it becomes easier to talk about things like visual arguments;” Page 94
This quote captures an important point made in the chapter. One of the frames suggested to redesign the old culture of learning is making. By making, we are able to learn concepts at a deeper level because we are a part of the process.
Question: Is it realistic to expect knowing, making, and playing to be incorporated in each daily lesson, or can these frameworks by addressed over the course of a unit?
Connection: I have had to use the three dimensions of learning (knowing, making, and playing) while cultivating my PLN. I am using tools that I am unfamiliar with but through trial and error, as well as discussions with peers, I am now comfortable using several online tools for professional networking.
Epiphany/Aha: A good math problem is like a riddle, especially a proof. In order to write a logical, meaningful proof, one must put together mathematical puzzle pieces in order to arrive at a conclusion.
Chapter 8
Quote: “Geeking out asks the question: How can I utilize the available resources, both social and technological, for deep exploration?” Page 105
This quote sums up the chapter well becomes it sums up all three phases: hanging out, messing around, and geeking out, which is the ultimate goal and is built upon the first two phases.
Question: How can we encourage students to persevere when “messing around” becomes difficult or confusing?
Connection: In terms of both my PLN as well as my 20% Project, I feel that I am still in the messing around phase. I was hanging out for the first few weeks of the semester and now that I have become more comfortable with the tools and have begun to use the resources for my own personal interests, I’d say that I am currently messing around.
Epiphany/Aha: I see now that technology can be viewed as an extension of myself. Now that I have established an online presence, what I put online is a reflection of who I am.
Chapter 9
Quote: “They require an immense amount of learning in order to play them and are grounded in participation.” Page 108
This quote is describing massively multiplayer online games. The authors use characteristics of these online games to paint a picture of the new culture of learning. One of the most important aspects of these games is participation from every member.
Question: The authors discuss how every member of a team in an online game must fully participate for the team to succeed? What happens to team members who do not pull their weight?
Connection: In order for our class’ Google+ community to survive and grow, participation and learning are required. The Google+ community was new to many of us and therefore, we had to experiment in order to gain knowledge about the tool. Participation is required because the community lives off of communication between members.
Epiphany/Aha: The authors describe MMOs as requiring “an immense amount of learning in order to play them and are grounded in participation” (page 108). The epiphany I had after reading this chapter was that classroom games are great and students become engaged; however, they are only effective when learning and participation are required.