This is an un-edited, first thing that comes to mind type post. I tried to include specific examples in order for it to be more useful in our class salon setting.
Unit 1 – Folk Knowledge
Self-Directed Learning: I started out by examining the ways in which folk knowledge had shaped some of my views (Sweden post). In deciding what I’d research for my next topic, I stuck with something that always interested me, which made for a more interesting post about tribal tattoos. In my quest for self-directed learning, I found the most productive way to do so was to relate topics to things you already enjoy or are passionate about. This led to my comment in the interview assessment about my bike epiphany.
Others’ Blogging: I enjoyed reading the other people talking about their learning from an expert experiences. I also various personalities began to emerge within our group’s blog.
Collaborative Learning: Best experience was this came immediately after my first blog post. Somebody in the group challenged one of the assertions I made in my post. Upon reading the comment, I realized that I didn’t believe a good amount of what I had just posted. The simple challenge of a group member made me realize that I had just been spewing boring stuff to make a necessary post. From then on I began to think more critically about my claims.
Projects/Activities: Teaching as an expert, learning from an expert. Many interesting aspects to these activities. I asserted that there was a tactile part of this experience that can not be imitated by other forms of knowledge transfer (digital, print, or otherwise). I also began a theme that would continue throughout the class when I said…”I don't necessarily think that anything is being lost when Matt develops his own techniques. Rather, the skill of omelet making is being refined and is given a unique personality. Should we mourn the loss of one specific way of making an omelet? I don't think we should, as long as the greater art still exists. We can celebrate variety.”
