The Networked Learner

The Networked Learner

Lee Rainie, Director, Pew Internet ProjectJune 10, 2014NY LibrariansEmail: Lrainie@pewinternet.orgTwitter: @Lrainie

Four big points about the impact of technology on learning

Broadband facilitates networked information / networkedknowledge

Mobile connectivity alters learning venues and expectations

Social media aid peer-to-peer learning by doing

New kinds of learning can occur in networked spaces: Traits of networked learning

• Can be DIY and self-paced• Can be experiential, participatory• Can be just-in time, real time• Can draw on peers and their

networks

• Can be place-agnostic• Can exploit augmented reality• Can have gaming sensibilities• Can exploit feedback and

analytics

3 technology revolutions drive the changes

First: Internet – 1995-2014

http://bit.ly/1dE8jFV

Broadband at home - 70% (+10% more have smartphones)

June 2000

April 2001

March 2002

March 2003

April 2004

March 2005

March 2006

March 2007

April 2008

April 2009

May 2010

Aug 2011

April 2012

May 2013

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

3%

70%

Dial-up Broadband

Broadband at home

Dial-up at home

Broadband facilitates networked information and networked knowledge

• Volume, velocity, variety of information grow• Information is pervasively created and

pervasively consumed – new platforms / formats

• New literacies take account of flows and filters• Knowledge is more openly contested and edited• Self-paced learning is facilitated• More refined analytics are enabled

Second: Mobile connectivity – Cell phones

http://bit.ly/1dE8jFV 12

Second: Mobile connectivity - Smartphones

13http://bit.ly/1dE8jFV

Second: Mobile connectivity – Tablets

http://www.pewinternet.org/2014/01/16/e-reading-rises-as-device-ownership-jumps/ 14

2010 2011 2012 20130%

20%

40%

60%

80%

32%

42%50%

Tablet owners

E-reader owners

Have either one

Mobile connectivity alters learning venues and expectations

• New access points to learning in an any time, anywhere, any device era

• Attention zones change• Real time sharing and just-in-time searching

are enabled• The “metaverse” brings augmented reality• Pervasive awareness and access to social

networks

Third: Social networking/media - 61% of all adults

% of internet users

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 20130%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

9%

89%

7%

78%

6%

60%

1%

43%

18-29 30-49 50-64 65+

The Landscape of Social Media Users (among adults)

% of internet users who…. The service is especially appealing to

Use Any Social Networking Site 72% Adults ages 18-29, women

Use Facebook 71% Women, adults ages 18-29

Use Google+ 31% Higher educated

LinkedIn 22% Adults ages 30-64, higher income, higher educated

Use Pinterest 21% Women, adults under 50, whites, those with some college education

Use Twitter 18% Adults ages 18-29, African-Americans,urban residents

Use Instagram 17% Adults ages 18-29, African-Americans, Latinos, women, urban residents

Use Tumblr 6% Adults ages 18-29

reddit 6% Men ages 18-29

Social media aid peer-to-peer learning by doing

• Social media are the new neighborhood• Participation and experiential learning

are more encouraged• “Amateur experts” arise and peer

coaching is facilitated• Social networks expand and diversify• Social networks become even more

important in the learning process

Fourth revolution: Internet of Things

GSMA projections

What is the future of learning?-- Shana Ratner (1997) “Emerging Issues in Learning Communities”

New: Learning as a process

Knowledge is objective and

certain

Old: Learning as transaction

Knowledge is subjective and

provisional

New: Learning as a process

Learners receive knowledge

Old: Learning as transaction

Learners create knowledge

What is the future of learning?-- Shana Ratner (1997) “Emerging Issues in Learning Communities”

New: Learning as a process

Knowledge is organized in stable, hierarchical

structures that can be treated

independently of one another

Old: Learning as transaction

Knowledge is organized “ecologically”-disciplines are integrative and

interactive

What is the future of learning?-- Shana Ratner (1997) “Emerging Issues in Learning Communities”

New: Learning as a process

We learn best passively, by listening and

watching

Old: Learning as transaction

We learn best actively doing and managing

our own learning

What is the future of learning?-- Shana Ratner (1997) “Emerging Issues in Learning Communities”

New: Learning as a process

Our “intelligence” is based on our

individual abilities

Old: Learning as transaction

Our “intelligence” is based on our

networks

What is the future of learning?-- Shana Ratner (1997) “Emerging Issues in Learning Communities”

Be not afraid