Technology+Leadership+Book+Summary



**Summary of** **//The World is Open: How Web Technology Is Revolutionizing Education//** By Ing Mu May 8, 2010 Lamar University EDLD 5306 Fundamentals of Technology Education Dr. Kay Abernathy

**Abstract** In his book, //The World is Open: How Web Technology Is Revolutionizing Education,// Curtis Bonk provides a framework for adapting technologies for learning called WE-ALL-LEARN. WE-ALL-LEARN is an acronym for ten strategies to incorporate technology into learning. He divides the technology learning into three factors: “one is Web-based learning infrastructure, two is billions of pages of free and open content on that infrastructure, and three is a culture of participation and knowledge-sharing that personalizes learning within the infrastructure” (p.356). The first sections of the book focus on various opportunities for online learning from Ustreamed broadcast of a lecture to taking online courses. The second section discussions provide numerous free online resources for learning. The last sections of the book focus on opportunities for users to participate directly in providing information on the Web.

WE-ALL-LEARN is the proposed framework from Curtis J. Bonk in the book, //The World is Open: How Web Technology Is Revolutionizing Education.// Bonk provides three factors that encompasses the WE-ALL-LEARN framework. First is Web-base learning, second is free and open resources on the Web, and the third is collaboration and participation in creating information. WE-ALL-LEARN is an acronym of ten possibilities for technology learning. W stands for “Web Searching in the World of e-Books.” E is for “E-Learning and Blended Learning.” A is for “Availability of Open Source and Free Software.” L is for “Leveraged Resources and OpenCourseWare.” The second L is for “Learning Object Repositories and Portals.” The third L is for “Learner Participation in Open Information Communities.” E is for “Electronic Collaboration and Interaction.” A is for “Alternative Reality Learning.” R is for “Real-Time Mobility and Portability.” Lastly the N is for “Networks of Personalized Learning.” Under the headings of “Web Searching in the World of e-Books,” “Leveraged Resources and OpenCourseWare,” and “Learning Object Repositories and Portals” Bonk discusses the availability of electronic resources like e-Books, artwork from museums, and content resources from universities. Libraries around the world are on the rise in providing books digitally. Google, search engine company, provides Google Books (digital books) and Google Scholar (articles written by well known academics). Non-profit organizations like Open Content Alliance (OCA) has archived over one million digital books for anyone to access for free. Availability of books for free supports more opportunities for learning. Museums around the world have been creating portals for virtual gallery tours offering opportunities for viewing artwork without having to travel. British Library and Cambridge University Library are opening their doors for people to see historical documents online. The amount of information on the Web is astounding and they are increasing daily. The opportunity to learn online is monumental. “E-Learning and Blended Learning” and “Networks of Personalized Learning” explains the importance of online learning. They give opportunities for higher education for many who normally would be restricted by location, time, or financial reasons. More and more colleges and universities are recognizing the need for online learning and incorporating the idea of blended curriculum of online and on site. People are finding online learning portals that meet their needs. Free tutoring sites are increasingly becoming available. Livemocha for example offers free language lessons offered by members of the social network site. Online learning is taking place in a formal way through organizations like universities and informal way through social networking site and tutorials. “Availability of Open Source and Free Software” discusses the idea of free software to increase online learning. Companies like Google, Yahoo, and Facebook have grasped the idea that it is more lucrative to offer free software if they want to be successful and make profit. Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and General Public License (GPL) movements are on the rise to promote availabilities of educational software. Moodle is one of the first free online course management system for any educational institute to adapt. “Alternative Reality Learning” and “Real-Time Mobility and Portability” opens the idea of learning taking place through various devices. Video game devices, cell phones, iPods, and iPads are tools for education. These devices are mobile. Information is available anytime and anywhere. Places like Japan and South Korea are using the cell phone technology to increase efficiency and convenience to another level. They have developed systems where through phone they are able to do banking, buy merchandises, use cell phone as bus pass, and even open doors to their homes. With portable devices information can be received at real time. “Learner Participation in Open Information Communities” and “Electronic Collaboration and Interaction” addresses the 21st century idea of being an active contributor in the learning process. With such tools as wikis and blogs learners have the power to collaborate in creation of information. More and more corporations are using the idea of open collaboration. They are utilizing the internet to recruit ideas and innovations from anyone. Turning this direction can save a lot of money for the companies because they don’t have to pay salaries for in-house employee, but rather just pay for an idea, and the world becomes their non-paying employees. With technology the world is opening and becoming accessible. WE-ALL-LEARN framework provides how we can best use technology for learning tools.

**References** Bonk, C.J. (2009). //The World is Open: How Web Technology Is Revolutionizing Education//. San Francisco, Jossey-Bass.