Open Network Learning Environment (ONLE) encompasses a variety of elements. An ONLE is an open, publicly viewable online atmosphere that promotes collaborative and flexible learning in the world of online and digital tools. Within such an environment, learners accumulate resources to expand their knowledge, understanding, and educational experience. An ONLE is network-centric, relying heavily upon connectivity with the resources and tools created, shared, and collaborated upon by others. An organic assembly of human networking materializes and allows learners to benefit from the influence of numerous experts instead of a single instructor. The ONLE is never static; it is dynamic and ever-changing due to the constant influx of contributions, additions, alterations, and movement within its varying online and digital resources. The Open Network Linkage Model is a significant part of an ONLE existence. Linkage architecture is what makes the very connections that are elemental to the ONLE. There are various types of linkages, such as widget linkage, third-party linkage, social tagging linkage, and social network linkage, to name a few. Widget linkage refers to embedding a tool into created content, such as a webpage or blog, provident the learner a means to access a tool without leaving the portal site. Third-party linkage allows for the streaming of content between resources, for example, a youtube video in an online professional development workshop. Social tagging linkage is a way of flagging pertinent content to alert and make it visible and discoverable by other interested parties. Social network linkage expands the visibility and interaction of resources and networks for continued access and association through established deliberate digital connections. “Following” a Professor or Subject expert on Twitter or “following/friending” a favorite author on Facebook would be examples of using network linkage to gain desired access to any new content or contributions those individuals make on their respective platforms. Linkages function as your entry ticket to an elevated online learning experience and heightened levels of connectivity.
A Personal Learning Environment (PLE) is also a compiled digital network of tools and resources, but as the name suggests, it is personal to the individual. It is a place for learners to house their preferred learning portals, technological mechanisms, and personal content and creations. To an extent, a PLE can be described as a live, online location version of a smartphone in how it holds all one’s highly used digital tools and resources. Everyone’s smartphone is unique and is set up in a unique way with particular apps, shortcuts, settings, etc. Similarly, a PLE is created based on the distinctive preferences of each learner. The linkage that best reflects the PLE is the Personal Portal linkage. This linkage refers to portal technology that connects several Web 2.0 applications in one place to manage data and learning materials.
I would integrate ONLE to develop and disseminate professional development for teacher training by incorporating and addressing multiple technologies within the PD. The PD would be devised to teach educators about specific technologies in an ONLE and how to find new digital tools and online resources to continue growing and expanding their ONLE. Building networks of information is crucial to any learning process, and understanding how to accomplish this in a digital world is vital to the significance of the PD. Additionally, the PD would provide avenues for participants to connect with one another and continue building connections and access to the wisdom, knowledge, activity, digital tools, and online resources of colleagues and experts in their field. Introducing and employing the Open Network Linkage Model would play a prominent role in disseminating the ONLEs of PD participants and their connectivity to each other as well as staying notified and updated regarding continuing PD contributions and updates for future reference.
An ONLE PD can serve as a sustainable learning environment by incorporating live online resources and digital tools. Integrating Open Network linkage will merge outside online networks to the content taught and presented in the PD and its participants. Aspects such as collaboration tools, live platforms with the capacity for limitless user contributions, and learning designed with a myriad of interactivity will provide current and future participants with an infinite web of connectivity and ONLE development opportunities.
When developing and delivering an ONLE PD, one must consider audience demographics regarding technology. Specifics to take into account include their ability level and experience with technology, accessibility to technology, desire to learn about technology, and willingness to accept and implement new concepts, methods, and practices. Addressing these issues would mean first communicating to participants the benefits of learning and integrating technology and how it can add value to their professional lives as learners and educators. Next, since participants will likely have varying levels of technological experience, a PD must be flexible and provide scaffolding to avoid overwhelming and discouraging participants. Participants should have the option to begin at a level appropriate to their ability or be provided access to differentiated instruction if needed. Lastly, participants should feel as though they are being invited to join a fantastic club, a community of like-minded individuals who wish to assist, collaborate and unify via technology. Technology should not feel divisive but rather fuse and motivate participants to enhance their ONLE experience.