Three Spheres of Learning

 

Interest driven (click for the PLE map)

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True, deep learning and understanding occurs when we want to learn, rather than are made to learn, and repeatedly construct and then re-construct knowledge as we continue down the interest-based learning path (Nussbaum-Beach & Hall, 2012). The backbone of connected learning is therefore the concept that people will gain higher-level knowledge and skills when their learning originates from topics that interest them or that they are passionate about. As a maker’s community, Kollabora is entirely motivated by an interest in crafting and ‘making’, and this interest is shared amongst users to facilitate three fundamental connected learning principles to sustain their interest (Mirra, 2014).

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1. Users are connected to the Kollabora community, as well as the sub-communities within: the site can be navigated via the three major sub-sections of Patterns, Skills and Projects which are then all able to be sub-categorised by the community type, category type and even the brand (see below). In addition to making areas of interest easier to track, users are able to connect more directly within the maker’s realm to their specific interest and can develop or expand their expertise by navigating through the different skill levels provided.

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For more on how this works, watch this 3 minute clip, introducing users to the Kollabora site.

 

2. Users are also encouraged to participate by using, sharing or providing feedback on patterns or skills, however, their participation is not a compulsory part of membership. They are connected across multiple social media platforms where sharing and re-sharing of ideas and patterns occurs, as well tutorials and instructions for skill development (see Openly Networked for more).

 

3. Equity amongst community members is also valued, as the maker movement is inter-generational and therefore both younger and older members can act as both expert and learner. This concept is also a fundamental component of Peer Supported and Learning Oriented.

 

An important element of connected learning is the ability of the learner to develop the skills to filter and moderate information while they set their own goals for their learning, and in order to be able to self-regulate in this manner, they must be motivated to continue their learning through interest or passion (Dabbagh & Kitsantas, 2012).