Ito

Ito's Weblog
 * As technology evolves, so does learning. Mimi Ito has a new vision for learning in the digital age and she calls it "connected learning". Click the link below to visit her weblog.**

Mimi Ito is a cultural anthropologist who is currently researching how to support socially connected learning experiences for young people. Ito defines connected learning as "pursuing knowledge and expertise around something you care deeply about and you're supported by friends and institutions who share and recognize this common passion or purpose." She stresses the importance of students learning how to learn and find communities that encourage their educational endeavors. Contrary to today's current educational system of teaching facts, meeting objectives, and staying on pace with the curriculum map, Ito supports starting with connectedness and designing learning experiences around student engagement.

//So, where does educational technology come into play with Ito's connected learning research?//
Ito reminds us that the power of digital networks is in their ability to connect individuals and build links between home, school, and the community. With technology such as electronic games, social media, and digital media production, students have access to unlimited learning and can personalize this learning to their own needs and interests. Ito believes that schools alone should not be expected to take on the burden of education nor should parents be the only ones responsible. According to Ito, it takes a network of people to impact a given individual. She challenges educators and parents to encourage young people to take advantage of the digital resources at their fingertips and search out safe communities where their passion for learning can be met.

__My reaction:__ I really enjoyed reading Mimi's ideas about connected learning. I think I have experienced what she is talking about personally in my study of Educational Technology. I am connected to a multitude of experts in the field through social media, videos, podcasts, and websites. Most days I feel like a sponge just trying to soak up as much information as I can. I agree with Ito when she said that learning is a work that is never finished. It is a work in progress. Especially in the digital age, I don't think we can ever be done learning. Now if we can only convince our young people to realize the potential of what surrounds them.