Thanks George for that introduction. You mentioned that the design of the course is "decentralized", drawing me to concepts discussed in Barabási's book, "Linked", which I am thoroughly enjoying! The author discusses Baran's networks (p. 145) (i.e., centralized, decentralized, and distributed) and at the end of the book the notion of a "modular scale-free network" (p. 234). As facilitators for this course, I'm curious if you and Dave view the tools anyone can use to follow the course discussions (e.g., Twitter, Google Reader, etc.) as providing a "hierarchical modularity" that ultimately provide you both with a higher "clustering coefficient" - how closely participants interact with each other.
I'm really interested in how you and Dave view the actual and the ideal network structure needed in order to get the most out of a MOOC, both from the perspective of the facilitators and the participants. Is the modular, scale-free network the most applicable, or some other network type? If you're views of network structure go beyond Barabási, any additional references would be appreciated as well. :)
Thanks again to both of you for offering the course.
Hi :)
I ' ve just saw the two introductions and they are captivating my interest... I've wonder if the videos could have the Subtitles in spanish so me and other friends could better understand the methodology involved...
Thankssss
Patricia S. a teacher from Caracas Vzla, who is trying to learn how this will impact the development countries....
Thanks Again for your time and space shared with us....
I am reflexionating (maybe its not the word??) on the simple word PARTICIPATION, that 's the key that is opened with MOTIVATION :) :)
Though I just joined the course this morning (Cairo meantime), I am really very much looking forward to this course. Thanks a lot for both George and Dave for putting it all together.
I have been in education for over 30 years. It is my passion, mission and faith and that is basically why I wish to hear/learn/participate in thinking about its future. For me, education is my baby that I would love to see grow to become a mature independent entity offering all it could to those who seek it and going after those who don't know its value.
I am sure this course will provide a lot of solid opportunity for many of you to give valuable input that would help many of us seeking professional support in making a difference wherever they are
This is a special treat to teachers-cum-moms-cum-managers like us. Altho I am currently into project management, I do look forward to going back to teaching someday. I held the position of Dept Chair in Comp Sci in a university in the Philippines for a significant period, and teaching is a noble profession I'd always like to pursue after a career in proj mgmt.
Very recently I participated in a webinar under the auspices of Stanford Center for Professional Development on "Managing Mlllenials".
That webinar described the current generation called "millenials" and how they compare vs baby boomers (like I am) and the gen-x kids. Had I not listened there, I would probably be using the same methodology I used in managing (/teaching) gen-x kids.
And so then I look forward to learning more about future trends in education here, because if we are to hone and develop the millenials to be our future innovators and technocrats, then us teachers have to know the appropriate skills to make our students get to that place.
Tons of thanks to you and Dave, for putting up an effort of this kind. I am very eager to be here through the 8 weeks you offer to share.
Thanks for the introduction. I am looking forward to this course and future discussions. As a teacher-educator and a parent of three young children - the future of education is of utmost importance to me.
6 comments so far:
bnleez says: Linking Barabási?
Thanks George for that introduction. You mentioned that the design of the course is "decentralized", drawing me to concepts discussed in Barabási's book, "Linked", which I am thoroughly enjoying! The author discusses Baran's networks (p. 145) (i.e., centralized, decentralized, and distributed) and at the end of the book the notion of a "modular scale-free network" (p. 234). As facilitators for this course, I'm curious if you and Dave view the tools anyone can use to follow the course discussions (e.g., Twitter, Google Reader, etc.) as providing a "hierarchical modularity" that ultimately provide you both with a higher "clustering coefficient" - how closely participants interact with each other.
I'm really interested in how you and Dave view the actual and the ideal network structure needed in order to get the most out of a MOOC, both from the perspective of the facilitators and the participants. Is the modular, scale-free network the most applicable, or some other network type? If you're views of network structure go beyond Barabási, any additional references would be appreciated as well. :)
Thanks again to both of you for offering the course.
Patricia S says: Thanks To George and Dave...
Hi :)
I ' ve just saw the two introductions and they are captivating my interest... I've wonder if the videos could have the Subtitles in spanish so me and other friends could better understand the methodology involved...
Thankssss
Patricia S. a teacher from Caracas Vzla, who is trying to learn how this will impact the development countries....
Thanks Again for your time and space shared with us....
I am reflexionating (maybe its not the word??) on the simple word PARTICIPATION, that 's the key that is opened with MOTIVATION :) :)
Inas Barsoum says: Though I just joined the
Though I just joined the course this morning (Cairo meantime), I am really very much looking forward to this course. Thanks a lot for both George and Dave for putting it all together.
I have been in education for over 30 years. It is my passion, mission and faith and that is basically why I wish to hear/learn/participate in thinking about its future. For me, education is my baby that I would love to see grow to become a mature independent entity offering all it could to those who seek it and going after those who don't know its value.
I am sure this course will provide a lot of solid opportunity for many of you to give valuable input that would help many of us seeking professional support in making a difference wherever they are
CP-Park says: Awesome!
Dear George and Dave,
This is a special treat to teachers-cum-moms-cum-managers like us. Altho I am currently into project management, I do look forward to going back to teaching someday. I held the position of Dept Chair in Comp Sci in a university in the Philippines for a significant period, and teaching is a noble profession I'd always like to pursue after a career in proj mgmt.
Very recently I participated in a webinar under the auspices of Stanford Center for Professional Development on "Managing Mlllenials".
That webinar described the current generation called "millenials" and how they compare vs baby boomers (like I am) and the gen-x kids. Had I not listened there, I would probably be using the same methodology I used in managing (/teaching) gen-x kids.
And so then I look forward to learning more about future trends in education here, because if we are to hone and develop the millenials to be our future innovators and technocrats, then us teachers have to know the appropriate skills to make our students get to that place.
Tons of thanks to you and Dave, for putting up an effort of this kind. I am very eager to be here through the 8 weeks you offer to share.
Sincerely,
Cecille Peralta-Park
Mountain View, CA
ggdholakia says: Thanks!
Hi George,
Thanks for the introduction. I am looking forward to this course and future discussions. As a teacher-educator and a parent of three young children - the future of education is of utmost importance to me.
Best,
Gloria
Anonymous says: Ideas
Well-founded vs radical ideas about education - false distinction IMHO
David Andrew