"Toward a creative social web for learners and teachers"

This is a brilliant article that summarizes and synthesizes some of the issues around creativity emerging in Week 2. I think it's also useful for reflecting on the environment in which we're working as part of an open curriculum.

Zhang, J. (2009). Toward a creative social web for learners and teachers. Educational Researcher 38,4. p. 274-279.

Abstract:
"This article commenting on Greenhow, Robelia, and Hughes (2009) examines the potential strengths and weaknesses of Web 2.0 in supporting student collaborative creativity in light of sociocultural conditions of knowledge creation.Weaknesses and challenges are identified related to the embedded and dispersed representation of community knowledge, weak commitment and support to sustained progress, judging of contributions on the basis of popularity instead of advancement, and the conflict between the chaotic emergent Web and rigidly organized schooling. Discussion is extended to the use of the Web for supporting teacher learning and innovation. Research questions are identified calling for design-based research to advance both pedagogy and technology design."

http://edr.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/38/4/274

3 comments so far:

Ruth Howard says: An open version?

I'm still attempting to locate an openly accessible version, as it is only available by subscription from the above link.

maryrnsb says: HI, Ruth, I have the PDF if

HI, Ruth,

I have the PDF if you want me to send it to you by e-mail. Not sure if it is ok to post on the course site?

Mary

amcauley says: Opening the closed...

Hmm... this sucks big time... can't have an open course with closed references. Lemme see what I can do...