Below is a visual summary of Digital Learning Environments according to Veletsianos (2016). It was very interesting to read about the different perspectives of guided vs. unguided instruction thus, differing opinions on inquiry learning – those for and those against. I see the majority of technology, networks and communities present in schools are highly controlled and restrictive, due to privacy, legal, and ethical issues surrounding duty of care. Many schools shut down the use of social networking platforms such as Facebook to prevent student distraction during the school day. While a legitimate concern (considering the adverse effects of screen time for children and young people although, this in itself is contentious), it is limiting the ways that teachers can connect to students’ third-space and provide opportunities for valuable connectivist experiences. While hierarchical groups have their place in the school learning ecology, networks seem to have the ability to provide more authentic learning and connecting experiences. This highlights the need for digital citizenship to be embedded in teaching and learning activities to open up the digital learning environment while providing opportunities for students to effectively, efficiently, ethically and justly work within digital contexts in ways that transform the learning experience. As suggested by Brewer (2018), rather than banning smart technology and forcing unethical and unproductive digital behaviours underground, schools should be engaging with this technology and promoting digital citizenship in meaningful ways that connect to the third-space and promote positive digital behaviours.
Reference
Brewer, J. (2018). Don’t ban smartphones in Australian high schools: Here’s why (and what we can do instead). Retrieved from https://www.aare.edu.au/blog/?tag=digital-citizenship
Veletsianos, G. (2016). Digital Learning Environments. Retrieved from https://interact2.csu.edu.au/bbcswebdav/pid-2644087-dt-content-rid-3763889_1/courses/S-ETL523_201830_W_D/PDF%20files/digital_learninig_environments.pdf
[Reflection: Module 1.0a]