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Extending the classroom: Open content and open teaching

Mr George Seimens (Associate Director, Learning Technologies Centre, University of Manitoba, Canada).

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Abstract

Information and communication technology has fundamentally changed the relationship between teacher and learner. The teacher is no longer the sole provider and mediator of educational resources. High quality content - often produced by prominent institutions and renowned academics - is at the finger tips of anyone with an internet connection. Additionally, learners can participate in learning networks and online communities, also reducing the central role educators have in the conversation around curriculum.
How do these two trends change the roles of teacher and learner? This session will explore how trends in ICT impact education through the lens of social learning theory. Discussion will focus on emerging metaphors and models for learning in a globally networked world.

Biographical information

George Siemens is a prominent writer and researcher on learning, networks, technology and organizational effectiveness in digital environments. He is the author of Knowing Knowledge, an exploration of how the context and characteristics of knowledge have changed and what it means to organizations today.

Siemens is also Associate Director, Research and Development, with the Learning Technologies Centre at University of Manitoba and founder and President of Complexive Systems Inc., a learning lab focused on helping organizations develop integrated learning structures to meet the needs of global strategy execution. He is an international speaker and consultant, detailing the changes universities, colleges, and corporations must make in order to address the challenges of an increasingly complex world. Siemens maintains elearnspace, Connectivism and Knowing Knowledge. Additional background information is available here.

Date of Presentation

10 November 2008