By now you have possibly caught wind of Networked Narratives – a networked “collaboratory” in digital storytelling. Our open connected course embraces the notion of being “digital alchemists” as we thoughtfully mix together “elements” of media and storytelling. #Netnarr is excited to open up new pathways for all different kinds of learners. People have already started to come from far and wide. They will come from varying human perspectives and most certainly, from differing experiences.
Welcome 2 Networked Narratives- a LOOM (little open online movement): @keanuniversity @kuwp @kuwsp #edchat #connectedlearning #digped #ds106 https://t.co/rnULC9b2B0
— Mia Zamora (@MiaZamoraPhD) January 18, 2017
Into this open melting pot of creativity, I bring my own son. The course isn’t necessarily designed for kids. Nevertheless, my 11 year old son will also be joining the journey, participating in the face-to-face class discussions and emerging for the first time online. He will step into the fray with thoughtful guidance. And hopefully he will learn to develop some important digital literacies ;).
When Alan and I said #netnarr was an experiment, we weren’t kidding. Sharing an open experiment with my own child is in a sense the most sincere testament to my faith in the meaningfulness of our shared work. I figured I would “out” the fact that my kid was in the mix. And I invite other co-learners of varying ages to join, since we imagine the true possibility of an intergenerational community of thinkers and creators.
If there is interest in creating a sub-group of younger co-learners, send a shout out, and we would be happy to help organize a sub-community or special projects. Perhaps it could be kind of like a play group or co-op within the bigger umbrella of @NetNarr?
I’m 66 (or your son 11 x 6). Gotta special play group for me?
Hi Sandy,
Your question made me realize that I mentioned a “playgroup” simply because I have never really gotten over the wonder of my sons’ first coop playgroup.
When they were about 2.5 yrs old until they were about 6 years old, my husband and I would take them to this very special playgroup twice a week. Their first “school” was a one room schoolhouse filled with toys, books, and art supplies in the middle of midtown Manhattan. Their “curriculum” consisted of 2 hours of free play, then circle up for story time, and then crafting and making art. Their half-day ended with some running around & games in the adjacent park. Their “teachers” were ourselves and the parents of the other kids – we took turns choosing books and reading to them and dreaming up fun craft/making sessions. This playgroup was right across the street from the UN headquarters, and the coop consisted of little people and their parents from all of the world. I can’t tell you how much our family learned in those “start-up” years.
So when I say “I have never have gotten over it”, I realize that somewhere in the back of my mind, this special kind of playgroup is a reference point. It holds the most powerful ingredients for learning: open free time to play, stories, making, and a truly generous and diverse community.
I guess #Netnarr is my subconscious desire to make a great play group for all ages. So glad you are a part of it!
Mia
Ps. Thanks for prompting the nostalgic reverie. And also, great blog post on “What is a story?”