Dynamic Learning Communities

Compared to some of the other article we read during class, I think this article does a good job of opening up the idea of dynamic learning communities on both positive and negative aspects of this topic. The real world examples also help the connection to what is defined as a DLC. We all want our students to take more control over there learning and dynamic learning communities many be a good place to start. However, the lack of control that the teacher has may discourage teachers at the elementary and middle school levels. As I was reading the article many questions did come to mind and I kept my classroom in the back of my mind. Currently there are so many restrictions with teachers and meeting test scores, so where does the time come in to explore these options. Because you are taking control of your own learning, where is the teachers’ role come into play? Does a facilitator constitute having too much control? So many students are learning in controlled environments were the teachers designed the lessons and what they want the students to learn. I wonder how the student would react to having equal control as the teacher. I don’t know if some of these students would know where to start and some would show there natural leadership. As an adult learner, you are motivated and willing to try new things, but the question comes to mind as to why then would we pay money to earn credit on something that you may not learn from a designed instruction from a teacher but a DLC. If DLCs were to be implemented in schools, I think they would need to discover how to solve problems that may arise with the limited control and the best way to assess the learning.