Participate 1.1.3 Ideal Digital Learning Community Quest
In my research to find the characteristics of an ideal DLC, I came across this video, that the user created using Pow Toon, that I think is an excellent summary. The author was not mentioned.
Here are the other characteristics I believe ideal DLCs have in common.
Focused purpose - A common goal or interest is the foundation of a successful and effective DLC.
Collaborative - Working together to achieve goals is the essence of a collaborative DLC. Wikipedia describe collaboration as "more than the intersection of common goals seen in co-operative ventures, but a deep, collective determination to reach an identical objective". I thought this was the perfect explanation of what an ideal DLC should be, especially one where the goal is education.
Free - If we are talking ideal, free must be on the list!
Easy to Use and Navigate - In the busy lives of students, the ideal DLC must be easy to use and also easy to navigate. A DLC that is not easily accessible from a variety of devices would pose a problem for students. A DLC with a steep learning curve would also not be ideal. One that is clearly laid out so that students can jump right in, is the ideal!
Interactive - In order to keep the attention of the community, specifically students, an ideal DLC should not be static. Instead, it should be interactive. This includes not only learning activities but also feedback! Without informative, encouraging feedback, an otherwise effective DLC can lose interest from its members. The thing that I think would set the most ideal DLC apart from the rest would be differentiated, individualized learning. Sites that are created that provide the user with feedback on why they missed a question or that lead them to more practice on a certain concept that they have not mastered are what I feel will be the next trend in DLC.
Focused purpose - A common goal or interest is the foundation of a successful and effective DLC.
Collaborative - Working together to achieve goals is the essence of a collaborative DLC. Wikipedia describe collaboration as "more than the intersection of common goals seen in co-operative ventures, but a deep, collective determination to reach an identical objective". I thought this was the perfect explanation of what an ideal DLC should be, especially one where the goal is education.
Free - If we are talking ideal, free must be on the list!
Easy to Use and Navigate - In the busy lives of students, the ideal DLC must be easy to use and also easy to navigate. A DLC that is not easily accessible from a variety of devices would pose a problem for students. A DLC with a steep learning curve would also not be ideal. One that is clearly laid out so that students can jump right in, is the ideal!
Interactive - In order to keep the attention of the community, specifically students, an ideal DLC should not be static. Instead, it should be interactive. This includes not only learning activities but also feedback! Without informative, encouraging feedback, an otherwise effective DLC can lose interest from its members. The thing that I think would set the most ideal DLC apart from the rest would be differentiated, individualized learning. Sites that are created that provide the user with feedback on why they missed a question or that lead them to more practice on a certain concept that they have not mastered are what I feel will be the next trend in DLC.