As I juggle teaching a summer college course, presenting at the American Library Association Convention, and continued learning at the speed of “MOOC-light”, I have been challenged to write a personal belief statement or CREDO. Here goes:
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This I Believe
Both life and learning have changed dramatically in the past decade and will never be the same due to the information revolution. My learning journey has focused on information literacy (as a career librarian) and the journey has been turned completely upside down. I believe the human spirit can excel and will not succumb to the threats of “the machine” or the “cyberworld”. Technology is but a tool and I have faith that love and compassionate wisdom will triumph. I believe that people are more important than code or profit.
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One of my ALA presentations was on the topic of MOOCs and education, so my participation in the #clmooc was timely. This is my 4th MOOC, so I feel I am beginning to understand how to fully participate as well as how to learn simply by lurking.
This exploration of the MOOC, alongside my exploration of virtual worlds and emerging technology trends, contributed to my CREDO about new modes of learning and living. All of us must now balance our virtual (digital) lives with our physical lives. I found it ironic (since I was in the middle of taking a MOOC and speaking on the topic) to hear the last question asked of Jaron Lanier during his ALA speech. When asked what he thought of MOOCs, Lanier said, “MOOCs are moronic!” I understand and agree with Lanier’s sentiments about the future. However, I know he realizes there is no going back to the old information hierarchy which has toppled. Most likely, many of the innovative technology tools, trends, and websites we are currently using will come and go. Alvin Toffler was absolutely right when he said, “The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.”
Next on my list to read is Jaron Lanier’s new book, Who Owns the Future? Maybe we need to unlearn and relearn our concept of the Internet. One thing is for certain— no single person can do that. It is up to all of us and I am counting on my fellow man to uphold my CREDO and revise it into something better one day.
Thanks for the post.
This is another nudge to me to write a post about the fact that MOOCs are not just one thing. They used to connote connectivist ideals. Then more recently Coursera et al came along, but Coursera does not equal all MOOCs.
Just as we wouldn’t characterize all books under one label, so should we look at the many shades in the spectrum of MOOCs and judge each on its own merits.
Thanks for letting me know you posted. I was struck by your frequent call to us to remember and claim our agency.
You got me thinking about MOOCs. I agree that advances in technologies are not just limited to increases in convenience. I wonder if MOOCs (the large-scale ones we hear horror stories from) actually “topple the hierarchy” or if they are just attempts to remake the hierarchy online. Perhaps that is why they are failing (and are “moronic”).