Review of McLoughlin and Lee "Social Software and Participatory Learning: Pedagogical Choices with Technology Affordances in the Web 2.0 Era"

McLoughlin, C., & Lee, M. J. W. (2007). Social software and participatory learning: Pedagogical
          choices with technology affordances in the Web 2.0 era. In ICT: Providing choices for learners
          and learning. Proceedings ascilite Singapore. Retrieved from
          http://www.ascilite.org.au/conferences/singapore07/procs/mcloughlin.pdf

            In this article, McLoughlin and Lee (2007) discuss the current diffusion of information via technology, and how that information has increased the demand for new educational approaches which foster lifelong learning. The suggested new educational approaches would focus on knowledge acquisition and the development of skills necessary to engage with social and technological changes. Presently, McLoughlin and Lee (2007) observe that the expansion of technology enhanced learning is more focused on creating communities of learners in which collaboration and knowledge are the central focus. In the high speed world we live in now, it is posed that we need to move from traditional educational practices to a method of more active student participation regarding content and learning. Since each learner is different and possesses diverse goals and needs, there should be a more participatory learning style that aligns with these goals and needs.
          Further review of the article reveals a focus on Web 2.0 based social software tools and how those tools leverage learner choice and autonomy. McLoughlin and Lee (2007) describe Web 2.0 as a more interactive version of the internet that allows individuals to participate in information sharing rather than simply receiving. Web 2.0 applications include blogs, wikis, podcasting, social networking sites, P2P media sharing sites, and many more options. The social software in Web 2.0 supports group interactions and allows individuals to collaboratively remix content (i.e. take it, reshape it, repost it, and let someone else do the same). My favorite part of this article was the description of a Web 2.0 feature called "prosumers". In the present state of the internet, individual learners can become "prosumers," which is simply a producer and consumer of content. This description from McLoughlin and Lee (2007) is an accurate representation of the multidimensional nature of todays learners.
         The final bit of information discussed in this article is the process of incorporating collective intelligence and cooperative idea sharing into present educational practices. Todays learners in higher education want greater autonomy and ability to socially experience learning concepts (McLoughlin & Lee, 2007). Although many schools have moved from traditional modes of lecturing online, they still sit within the safety of their framework encompassed by coursework and lightly speckled with learning network opportunities. McLoughlin and Lee (2007) suggest that the most important aspect of redesigning the online educational process is to include new pedagogical methods of teaching that allow a learner to better meet their personal needs and interests.
          This article provides, what I deem to be, a new insight into the topic of Personal Learning Networks (PLNs) in social media contexts. Most of the current podcasts and articles that I have seen or read regarding this topic broadly discuss the basic elements without delving deeper. This article discusses what defines a PLN in social situations, why they are necessary, how they benefit educational contexts, and how they have evolved over time. Discussing evolution allows the reader to see where we have come from and potentially, where we may go in the future. Providing an evolutionary view on this topic may cause other practitioners and learners to reconsider the possibilities and constraints of PLNs as they attempt to integrate them into their social or educational forums.
          Overall, I would say that this article is very well written and detailed. I greatly appreciated the discussion about evolution in web processes and PLNs. I also valued the level of discussion surrounding technological affordances. McLoughlin and Lee (2007) explained that technological affordances are "can do" statements demonstrating an action an individual can perform in their environment by using a particular tool. An example of a particular tool was blogging which enables the affordances of idea sharing and interactions. After reading this section regarding affordances, I felt better equipped to determine what social interfaces are tools and what affordances those tools may provide. Providing this level of detail allowed me to become immersed in the article without fear of misunderstandings. This elevated my comfort level and interest with the presented information.
          As I move forward in my education and career, I will be sure to keep the key features of McLoughlin and Lee's (2007) article in mind. More specifically, I will pay closer attention to whether or not my interactions via classroom blogs are providing the affordances of idea sharing and interactions in order to foster a participatory learning environment. I will also consider my personal needs and goals as I continue to work through the material in this course. Most importantly, how will I promote technology enhanced learning through interesting technology mediums related to course materials. Additionally, I will also be sure to consider the evolution of social media tools as I incorporate them into my PLNs. For instance, giving careful consideration to using podcasts to communicate information rather than a more evolved technology application.
          As mentioned previously, I would guess that the notion of PLNs in social media contexts will continue to adapt and evolve as the world progresses. Based on this assumption, it could be surmised that continual research would need to be conducted to see how the technology advances are effecting and contributing to the use of PLNs. Presently, I believe that McLoughlin and Lee have represented as much information as possible, through their work and the work of others, regarding this topic.