[VICTOR V. BUBUIOC] Learning Communities

[BUBUIOC INC.]

Consider the somewhat popular saying: “It’s good to learn from your mistakes. But, it is far better to learn from someone else’s mistakes.” Few would dare disagree. Generally speaking, we all like and take the easiest path (at least most of us). Learning is no exception to this rule. Learning from others, or in communities, is something that simply makes sense. Bearing in mind a relentless thirst for knowledge that is combined with the need to socialize  - we get Learning Communities.

Learning Communities (LC) is a relatively new term in academia. It dates back to 1980’s when Evergreen State College implemented the concept in order to focus on collaborative education (Tinto, V. 2003). It seems cool and appropriate for an increasing social environment we have immersed ourselves in via new web technologies. However, I would argue that the practice has been in use for a very long time. How long? Well probably as far back as learning itself.

The recent adoption of Learning Communities in academia is an excellent attempt to align education with what comes natural to most of us – socializing (yes, even extreme introverts have friends). In employing LC, academic institutions are able to leverage our need to socialize and effectively combined it with our thirst for knowledge. LC allow us to focus collective effort towards one common goal.

The emphasis on communities is especially important. Multiple points of view provide for a wider perspective and thus deeper understanding of the subject matter. Additionally, in an advanced degree environment the plethora of combined experience (between learners) rivals that of any one individual, no matter his or her level of expertise.

There certainly are some perils also. In the recent AP tweet regarding White House attack, we saw how, via a false (hacked) tweet, an extremely efficient community was able to negatively influence markets on a global scale. This communicates tons about our trust for anyone that has a voice. The size of a following does not necessarily correlate with quality. This goes back to the timeless question: When do you stop listening to your parents (the professor in traditional learning), and start listening to your peers? Undoubtedly, at least at this time, we need balance between traditional and LC methods.

Sources:

·      Tinto, V. (2003). Learning Better Together: The Impact of Learning Communities on Student Success. In Promoting Student Success in College, Higher Education Monograph Series (pp. 1-8). Syracuse, NY: Syracuse University. Retrieved September 22, 2009, from http://faculty.soe.syr.edu/vtinto/Files/Learning%20Better%20Together.pdf

·      http://www.ohio.edu/learningcommunities/

http://thenextweb.com/insider/2013/05/17/financial-times-website-and-twitter-accounts-hacked-by-the-syrian-electronic-army/


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Posted By BUBUIOC INC. to VICTOR V. BUBUIOC at 5/20/2013 01:29:00 PM