Reading One:
(Miles, Adrian. “Network Literacy: The New Path to Knowledge.” Screen Education Autumn.45 (2007): 24–30)
In this reading, the concept of network literacy is explained through:
a) relating ‘network literacy’ to ‘book literacy,’ something more conceptually easy to grasp as something that has been forever present in our lives, and
b) exploring network literacy through the use of various sites by Adrian himself, allowing for a clear example of what network literacy actually applies to and what it means for us.
Take away idea: Network literacy, whilst similar to book literacy in its basic construct, is tricky in that it incorporates new technology, that has not had the same amount of time to cement itself into our lives. That said, network literacy is an effective way to share (consume and contribute) information, through RSS feeds and tagging.
Reading Two:
(Chris Argyris: Theories of Action, Double-Loop Learning and Organizational Learning.” http://infed.org/mobi/chris-argyris-theories-of-action-double-loop-learning-and-organizational-learning/. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 July 2013.)
How we, as people, think and act was a key component of this reading. It explored the way we map out problems and hence react to them, intentionally or not, and how this can change in a group or ‘organisational’ dynamic. It also discussed the importance of learning through action, and of ‘learning a way out’ rather than eradicating politics from learning all together. I found this reading a little difficult, not so much in terms of the concepts presented but in terms of trying to relate to the theories themselves. There was a lot to comprehend.
Take Away Idea: Learning is perhaps more a more complex process than we take it for, and could be benefitted by our exploration of the ways we actually process information and how this system of learning is flawed or suited for us personally.
Reading Three:
(Graham, Paul. “The Age of the Essay.” Paul Graham. http://www.paulgraham.com/essay.html N.p., Sept. 2004. Web. 11 Aug. 2013.)
I liked this reading! It basically confirmed all the complaints you would attempt to bring up with teachers in high school when it came to writing essays (only to be told you were whining and to just accept what it is), only Graham takes it so much further, offering a history of the essay and plainly pointing out the flaws in the current way we are taught to write in school. He then explains how to properly write an essay, which honestly serves to make the idea of essay writing seem somewhat more appealing, especially when the ideas of ‘surprise’ and ‘disobedience’ are brought up.
Take away idea: When writing essays, don’t limit yourself to what you think is acceptable or allowed. Aim to surprise, explore ideas, ‘misbehave’ in order to draw out ideas you otherwise wouldn’t have found. Don’t argue or persuade, but try to keep the content of your essay genuine and interesting.
