Thursday, October 21, 2010

Personal Learning Environment Framework

Chatti has opened my eyes to a new style of learning: Personal. Prior to reading about this efficient learning resource, I had always recognized the importance of making learning personal. It is evident that the beauty of a classroom is the fact that every student is different; mirroring the philosophy, "diversity makes the world go round," the classroom environment is more successful when individuality is present. I believe it is essential to understand students as both individuals and groups; students will learn better when the teacher is aware of how their kids work independently and collaboratively. The idea of independent work must focus on building on students' strengths and interests. PLEF is a resource that does this.

Students' abilities involving and interests in the Internet are both facets that draw attention to the benefit of a PLEF. PLEF's must be authentic, controlled, and organized. What better feature is accessible to teachers in monitoring students' resources?! This is a key addition to the learning process. Students are able to combine their Internet knowledge and usage to classroom learning. Students have knowledge at their fingertips, in an ORGANIZED fashion, which allows an easier transition into the processes of analysis and reflection of work.
Personally, I find that this would be a positive addition to the classroom environment, and would allow students to expand their thinking beyond the resources of our room. Why not expand an environment to promote learning on all levels, especially if students are all different learners with varied needs.

2 comments:

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  2. Hi, Lauren,

    I agree that Personal Learning Environments can be very helpful in differentiating curriculum in a mixed-ability and learning-style classroom. I foresee a progressive reading program that is rich and full of choice for budding readers. Videos and images can deepen background knowledge and vocabulary for second-language learners and those whose family life is not enriched with conversation and travel.

    And honestly, there are some day to day assessments of learning that can easily be done on a computer--leaving more time for a teacher to analyze key pieces of work for a deeper understanding of how a child thinks.

    It is in the structuring of these differentiated environments that the future work lies for software developers. Every child can have an IEP, in the best sense of the word!

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