- Your work so far on H800 includes some individual reading and viewing/listening. Does Brown’s argument imply that this is less valuable than your group work?
Not necessarily. Nuttal suggests that interaction with a text makes it authentic. Perhaps how we interact with what we see/hear can add to this authenticity. Then, of course, we have shared our thoughts/feelings on blogs and forums with each other and commented on these.
- What are the implications of his argument for your own use of technology – in your own learning and teaching?
We have to provide opportunity for the 'social network' to be constructed in our online group and also retain the chance for students to teach each other. When building social networks normally, or study groups, the individuals themselves have a lot more control over how they function - this seems more difficult to repiclate online.
- What are your reactions to Brown’s style of presentation? What are its strengths and weaknesses compared with the webcast lecture in Week 1 about the Google Generation, or with other presentations you have seen?
He's far more interesting to listen to, he modulates his voice and intonation, he uses visuals to highlight his points and generally there is more colour and vibrancy than the other one. (Fortunately the slides are used sparingly.)
- Is it paradoxical that you are invited to listen to one person talking about, among other things, the importance of study groups?
No, because these people, including me, have chosen to be there to listen to these things. I am participating as much as in a study group. Perhaps I can't ask him a question directly but I can look for more answers on his site, discuss it with others who have shared the video and perhaps DM JSB on twitter later!
JSB "amateur" things I do for love - Latin. So I am an amateur teacher!
Is this social construct and Vygotsky?