Learner reflexivity, technology and 'making our way through the world'. (7th October 2009)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Johnson, Mark; Sherlock, David
• Is Part Of: International journal of continuing engineering education and lifelong learning. Volume 19:Number 4-6(2009)
• Page Start: 352
• Page End: 365
• Publication Date: 2009-10-07
• Subjects: personal reflexivity -- social capital -- technological habits -- personal analytics -- online social engagement -- social mobility -- lifelong learning -- online habits -- personal change -- technological engagement; Engineering -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; 620.00715
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1560-4624

Abstract

We consider the role of personal reflexivity in the acquisition and development of habits for online social engagement for increased social mobility and effective lifelong learning. Drawing on work on reflexivity by Archer and others, we suggest that the development of habits for effective technological engagement is the key to learners being able to increase their social capital online, and thus increase their ability to 'make their way through the world'. On the SPLICE project, we have developed a tool, TrackMe, for encouraging learner reflexivity about their online habits. We report on the use of this tool, and how understanding the outcomes from engaging with it shed light on the deeper mechanisms of personal change, technological engagement and increased social capital.