The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between connected learning environments and rural learners' development of 21st century skills. The driving question for the research is, "what is the impact of introducing a technology supported connected learning environment on rural learners' development of 21st century skills?" The need arises out of the undesirable state of education in South African public schools, particularly in poor, rural and marginalised areas. The literature shows that the learning environments in these contexts are stuck with an old education system that needs radical reinvention for the 21st century. The connected learning framework is used as a model for learning and a reference for design of the intervention that is employed. The study uses a qualitative and experimental approach for data collection, using semi-structured interviews, focus groups and data collected through a social media platform. The results show that connected learning is a possible approach to education in rural contexts, with learners showing evidence of 21st century skills development over the period of the study. Theoretical insights generated include the mechanisms with which connected learning environments promote 21st century skills development. The study also generated helpful insights for organisations and practitioners wanting to introduce modern learning environments in rural schools in South Africa.

abstract: This study aims to gain an understanding of higher education interventions taking place in refugee camps around the world that implement hybrid online and on-site models. Through an archival, database study, this uncovers the most salient characteristics of 8 international interventions (Australian Catholic University, Borderless Higher Education for Refugees, Jesuit Worldwide Learning: Higher Education at the Margins, InZone, Kepler, Mosaik, Global Border Studies, and Education for Humanity) in regard to logistics, academics, technology, and pedagogy. The study found multiple ways in which these programs seek to increase inclusion and success of refugee learners. These techniques include (1) free tuition, (2) nutrition, security, and transportation accommodations, (3) gender equity provisions, (4) course accreditation, (5) preparatory courses, (6) student support and development, (7) durable solutions related to employment, (8) tailored curricula, (9) flexibility of course structure, (10) critical thinking & reflection, (11) hybrid, adaptable, and portable course delivery, (12) on-site technology support, and (13) accommodations related to electricity and internet connectivity. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Justice Studies 2019

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is implementing a large scale exploration of digital pedagogies, including connected learning and open education, in an effort to promote digital fluency and integrative thinking among students. The purpose of this study was to develop a classroom assessment toolkit for faculty who wish to document student connectivity in course-related blogging and microblogging (“tweeting”) activities. Student use of digital annotation devices, including hyperlinks, embedded images, mentions, and hashtags, were studied in four university courses as potential indicators of student connectivity, defined as the ability to connect current thoughts and experience with other concepts and people across space and time. One thousand one hundred and eighty six (1186) hyperlinks and embedded images, 2708 mentions, and 135 hashtags were collected from 498 learner blog posts and 5343 tweets through mostly automated, digital workflows and analyzed through a combination of statistical, content, and network analysis. General criteria for “connected course” design, a model for connectivity as a form of learning, connectivity-based learning goals, and integrated, potentially scalable assessment practices are discussed. Content analysis led to the development of classification systems for the types, sources, and communicative impact of hyperlinked and embedded materials in blogging and tweeting contexts. Network analysis was adapted to visualize, document, and describe course-related social interactions and student use of web-based information sources. Real student data are used to describe annotation-focused assessment criteria, analytic assessment dashboards, rubrics, and approaches to real-time graphic visualization of student performance.

This essay reports on an investigation of an integrative solution to facilitating cooperative learning for net generation learners in a technology-rich environment. Of specific interest is the changing roles of learners and educators as well as the enabling role of technology. The case study investigated and utilised to compile this dissertation is the Earthly Aliens Theme Day. Data obtained by interviewing and observing Theme Day participants is utilised to support the answers of the research questions. The research results of this study have shown that St Alban's College successfully managed to implement computer-integrated Theme Days. The College broke the barriers between subjects; learners participated in a learning experience that is closer to reality than just another 'thumb suck' educational experience. The concept of group work has been introduced to learners, and they are allowed to be creative, lateral thinkers and problem solvers. A small committee of learners gained managerial skills, while College graduates who are entering the job market are equipped with the necessary cross-curricular life skills to cope in today's technological advanced world / Thesis (MEd)--University of Pretoria, 2004. / Curriculum Studies / MEd / Unrestricted

Social media technologies are networked technological tools that can provide opportunities for productive socialization and collaboration. While social media are being incorporated increasingly into formal classroom settings, there is very little research available providing specific evidence for the affordances and limitations of social media as educational tools. It is also unclear whether undergraduates are open to, or already using social media for educational purposes. The current study explores Facebook as a collaborative and participatory learning tool to provide information on sex-related topics to undergraduate students. Connected learning was used as the guiding framework for exploring the ways that social media blend peer culture, academics, and learner interests to promote learning through interactions with a learning community. Results of the study indicate that undergraduate students were open and willing to using social media in academic contexts. However, students did not contribute comments directly to the study page resulting in a lack of evidence confirming whether connected learning occurred. Based on student responses, instructors hoping to integrate social media into their courses would do well to focus on maintaining responsiveness to students, promoting the development of a learning community, and varying the style and format of posts. It was determined that social media sites such as Facebook would serve best as supplemental, but intentional educational technologies rather than the basis for creating entire courses. Further research should center on understanding the participation and lurking patterns of students in educational social media environments, as well as the driving factors behind these participation patterns. / Ph. D.

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