http://www.e-mentor.edu.pl/_xml/wydania/21/467.pdf

Title: “In Search of Student-Generated Content in Online Education” by John Sener

I picked this article because it connects topics we have discussed this semester, such as student-centered learning, online education, constructivism, and connectivism. The concept the author is researching is student-generated products as it relates to online education. Although the author finds little on this topic, he does site some great examples of student generated work from educational institutions, things like journal articles, podcasts, and encyclopedias.

He brings up a really good point that even though student-generated products are beneficial to the learning of the student, most educational practices still support the lecture and learn approach. Hopefully, with the success of programs like Web 2.0 and its tools, the educational community can be swayed into investing the time in the student-centered learning approach.

The article also points out the negative reasons why student-centered learning is not catching on: cost and lack of motivation of students. He brings out the point that by switching to a student-generated product, more work is placed on the student and less on the instructor. Many students are happy with the status quo, you lecture and I will learn.

The article ends on a very positive note discussing the prosumer.  This is a student who produces the educational product, and then consumes it.  It sounds good on the surface, but putting it into best practice is going to be time consuming.  Only time will tell if this idea catches on…