Hello world!
July 28, 2009
Today’s class involved an interesting epistemological discussion about knowledge. I enjoyed the talk about the right to knowledge and ownership of information. Who does knowledge belong to and how is such power used in our society. The concept of open knowledge does appeal to me, and today’s class enabled me to think about the involvement of technology as it pertains to such a notion. There are many aspects that I thought were very interesting in terms of this open concept. The idea that knowledge could be accessible to the masses, offering perspectives from around the world is refreshing. I believe that education is about sharing knowledge, ideas and perspectives and being able to add to the multitude of thoughts. Today, I was able to get a little perspective on how technology is providing such a forum. I have to admit that I am a very private person, and sharing my thoughts to the world seems quite foreign and uncomfortable. Today, however, I was able to see how sharing these ideas could be quite beneficial to me, as other individuals would be willing to add and improve on my own understanding of concepts, ideas and perspectives. This social technological networking, as uncomfortable as I may be with it at times, could help me be productive member of our global society. As I watched some of the videos today I was amazed today at the accessibility of communication and idea sharing,
As I said before, I do have a few reservations about so much of being exposed to the world. I do appreciate the open knowledge notion (mostly the copy left one), but with this type of lack of restrictions within the technological world, we have to ensure that individuals are taught a form of technology citizenship. We are taught the etiquettes of social graces and discussions, the same sort of behaviours need to be taught to about being appropriate when sharing. This open forum has with it great responsibility: the responsibility to be critical of what is shared and to share appropriately in the right situations. These are after all social communities that we are forming. I believe, however, that with the proper education, this type of use of technology can be useful for both educators and students in accessing many types of perspectives. I am particularly interessed in seeing how such social media can help communicate with different parts of the world within our classroom, so to encourage multicultural perspectives. I look forward to understanding these different forms of communications.
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You just shared your thoughts with the world! Do you feel different? Did you pause before you hit the publish button and think, “Oh my God, I’m putting myself out there for the world to see and maybe judge.” That’s how I felt when I started, but I quickly realized that the educators involved in social networking are a supportive group who are encouraging; it became less scary and even something I wanted to be a part of.
A few short months ago I was in your shoes wondering about privacy and sharing. What I discovered about social networking was that there were a lot of very helpful and intelligent people willing to share what they know and every so often I felt like I added something to the mix and gave people something to think about that maybe they hadn’t considered. In the process I felt like I made a few friends that I haven’t met but who if I needed a favour I could turn to. I still hesitate about how much I share and the publishing of pictures especially of others, but I am no longer concerned about putting my thoughts out there and leaving a trail that could lead you to finding out more about me. In fact, I’m somewhat pleased when people take the time to learn more about me and decide that I am worthy of being added to their PLN.
You obviously understand some of the issues surrounding social networking; I wonder if you are willing to experience social networking by taking the plunge and trying some things you would not have ordinarily have done. For example, start a Flickr account and post some pictures you have taken – they don’t have to be of people. They could be scenery pictures from a holiday, but try it and see what it feels like to have something you created out there for anyone to see if they choose to look. I think you will find it changes you and you will become much more comfortable about shaping your own positive digital footprint.
Good luck with your class.
Many people still have the notion that if I work to make myself smarter or more knowledgeable, then I need to keep that to myself because I have worked at it and therefore it is all mine. I think it is important to understand the more we share the stronger we actually become. If we are only as strong as our weakest link, then would not our weakest link be those people who are not as smart or as educated as other people are? Many people do not have the resources that others have thus the lack of equity in the world. Knowledge can help to leverage others in so many ways if they only had someone to share it with them. I may not have lots of money to give someone a hand out but I do have the ability to teach someone else to fish for a lifetime.
Welcome to the world of sharing. I look forward to following you on your journey and what YOU can teach me.
Yes it is a little scary the thought that this here is shared with the world and as you I am a mostly private person. That said your excellent post inspired me to link some useful websites regarding the free flow of knowledge.
http://sciencecommons.org/about/
http://www.w3.org/2001/sw/
http://learn.creativecommons.org/
There is a real danger that at the very time we have technology to help share, knowledge could be locked up and not shared freely due to commercial concerns. This position is counter to the ideals of science past (imagine if Newton or Einstein had patented/copyrighted or in other ways locked away their knowledge) and hopefully science and education in the future. The idea of creative commons and the many projects underneath that banner give me hope that technology can be leveraged to positive effect rather than used to lock knowledge away. Openness, when appropriate is a beautiful thing. I find the work of Tim Berners Lee endlessly inspiring, as it has created platforms for individuals to express themselves in ways previously impossible. With the Semantic Web there is now the potential to do the same with machine processable knowledge which could benefit all in ways that could exceed that of the original World Wide Web.
The whole idea of exposing ourselves to the world means that, as educators, we need to teach our students about Digital Citizenry. We need to inform our students that everything they say, do or post is available to the entire world.
Have your students Google themselves and see what they find. They may be surprised at how easy it is for “the world” to see everything about them.
The fact that the world sees you should not be a scary thing. It should be an empowering experience. Do not dwell on the fact that you are exposed to the world but focus on the reality that you and your students now have access to the world. You do not have to physically be in a location to experience it. The Internet gives you and your students the ability to connect with people that live in places you are studying. You can bring experts into your classroom through the use of Skype and ustream.
Decades ago the learning students experienced was confined to the 4 walls of their classroom. Now, their learning is NOT confined. The world is at their finger tips!!!!