Informed Learning & Teens

Harlan, Mary Ann, Christine Bruce, and Mandy Lupton. "Teen Content Creators: Experiences of using Information to Learn." Library Trends 60.3 (2012): 569-87.
http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.gvsu.edu/docview/1009906531?accountid=39473

Info practices: 
1.  Gathering = learn how to interact, community expectations, tools for creating 
     content 
     (1st & 2nd Faces of informed learning: 
          1st "info awareness & communication" = gathering; 
          2nd "sourcing info" = browsing & searching)

     A.  Inspiration - ideas encountered serendipitously (not intentionally) cause 
           emotional resonance. Requires openness.
     B.  Focused browsing - more intentional, but no specific need identified, just 
          interest (e.g., bookmarks, favorites).
     C. Direct searching - specific skills needed: 
             application / doing - tutorials, search engines
             social contacts - online communities, forums 

2.  Thinking = learning by engaging with & integrating info into existing knowledge

      (3rd & 4th Faces: 

          3rd "info process" = planning & reflecting; 

          4th "info control" = musing & considering) 

     A. Choosing a community:

          1. Participatory culture - 

              a. low barriers - low cost & ease of use

              b. welcoming

              c. strong support - sharing, feedback, encouragement, mentorship

          2. Observation - 

              a. tenor of interactions

              b. social mores (rules, expectations)

              c. evaluate potential role 

     B. Evaluating authority - trusted sources provide valuable info to improve process

          1. Popularity within community

          2. Self-confidence of provider

          3. Helpfulness / usefulness for future, especially if there was a personal aesthetic 

              response.

     C. Musing - unaware / subconscious inspiration (idea in background)

     D. Considering - exploring inspirational sources in depth (collecting, reading, 

          responding, interacting, emulating)

     E. Planning - discussion / conversation (bouncing ideas around)

     F. Reflecting - by trial & error, & problem solving

3.  Creating 

     (5th & 6th Faces:

          5th "knowledge construction" = modeling

          6th "extending knowledge base" = composing)

 

     A. Participating - commenting & liking - building a library of content attached to

          their profile

     B. Copying - copy & apply content in order to: master tools & techniques, & build 

         confidence

     C. Modeling - use others' content as a guide but apply techniques / choices 

         differently

     D. Composing - new, original content demonstrates: knowledge of skills, 

          community practices, & creative engagement with info.