Keynote - why networked learning matters

Why Networked Learning Matters

1. Alec Couros, University of Regina, Canada, University of Regina, Canada

There has been much hype in the past several years about this 'social media' phenomenon – blogs, wikis, Twitter, and the like. Techno-utopianists tell us that these new democratizing tools will change everything we know about education, teaching, and learning. Critics often take an opposing narrative and view many of these tools as simply glitzier forms of old practice, or temporary distractions. So what should educators believe? This presentation is meant to deconstruct some of the big questions regarding social media and its place in teaching & learning. What tools and practices are here to stay? What will disappear? What will be different about education in the years ahead? And, what do we need to do as educators & administrators to create the best learning environments for our students?