Wk 9 – Learning Activity on CONNECTED LEARNING COMMUNITIES

As i can understand, Marcia and kresak2j, communities of learning can support Self-Guided Learning. Indeed, CoP are learning driven and the users can decide and reflect upon what they learn. They have he option of learning or not and apply it as they wish. You can find connect learning communities everywhere and on almost every subject. There is no limit to learning. But how is it not a self guided learning? What could be the drawbacks?

The goal of the eLearning Guild (http://www.elearningguild.com/) is to "create a place where eLearning professionals can share their knowledge, expertise, and ideas to build a better industry—and better learning experiences—for everyone". They have 4 different levels of membership, the most basic of which is free. The free membership includes access to their Learning Solutions magazine, research reports, conference archives, webinars and job board. Unfortunately it appears that a lot of the more collaborative features, such as active participation in the forums, are only available with a paid membership. However, it looks as though the free membership provides users with a good way to stay up-to-date with what is happening in the eLearning industry. It is also possible to join the eLearning Guild's LinkedIn group for free, which enables networking opportunities with industry professionals and may be a good way for those new to the field to forge industry connections. I believe membership in this community supports self-directed learning, as the learner (based on membership) decides which materials to access and when; learning and development are driven by the individual.

I am part of an online community of EFL teachers in Korea called 'waygook' (www.waygook.org). This site provides a space for new and experienced teachers living in Korea to share lesson plans, materials, and discuss general teaching and living. It has been most beneficial for lesson sharing (links provided to textbook materials and corresponding slide shows, videos, games, and activities). This has been great for me, but even better for teachers without experience and teaching credentials. It also allows teachers living in remote communities to ask questions to others when getting to know the atmosphere of life in Korea. It has a rating system for the contributors which allows you to know if you are talking to an experienced veteran or a new member. If you do not live in Korea, it is still a great website for EFL lesson sharing and I would highly recommend visiting it. Best part, it's free. Another lesson sharing site I use is 'Lesson Planet' (http://www.lessonplanet.com/). I haven't used this one much for creating relationships with other teachers, but it great for finding resources and lesson ideas for any subject area. You can search your subject, grade level, etc and it generates many options which have also been rated by fellow users. The downside is that you need to pay a fee of $39 a year to be a member. Still, it has been a worthwhile community for me.