Check out the course on Connected Courses -website.

Connected by Design

Students can have their own domain and blog. The main hub syndicates student’s posts, can have an assignment bank and “daily create” section. Class community can provide feedback in these spaces, but students still keep their ownership of their creations. The architecture of this connectedness lends to many connected courses. Varying degrees of connection are used. There is not one single way to do a connected course. Blogs and reflections can be useful for students who need time to process material and gives shyer students a voice. Connectedness should have a purpose and aim.

“Be your least cynical self at least for 4 weeks…” -Kim Jaxon offering students an entry point to connectedness.

Buy in should be pretty obvious as the students will possibly compete in the future with others who have the tech skills and experiences. Youth should have an opportunity to take part in higher education. K12 teachers and students can take part in college class activities to share common interests. Even just a small move can add connection to a class. Separate classes can be connected via online tools. “Makes” and tools can be shared. Students who spend their last semester out of country and off campus can be connected to learning community better through connected courses.

Grading and assessment has to go out the window in a connected course. There are other technical aspects one needs to understand and learn. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It is a good idea to find someone to partner you in the creation of a course. Some of the technical tools might not have the feel of “school” or “class” and get higher education out of the boxed in old system.