Why digital learning communities? Why bother; why spend time? Simple. John Donne said it best, "No man is an island, Entire of itself, Every man is a piece of the continent, A part of the main." These famous words written in a devotion provide the basis of all communities and relationships within those communities.
Bottom line is people need people. One basic human need is interaction with others. That's why solitary confinement in prison is supposed to be a punishment. We see how much humans need interaction by Tom Hanks's brilliant portrayal of Chuck Noland (C. Noland...see no land) in Castaway (2000). On the island, Chuck is so starved for interaction that he creates a friend, Wilson. This is just a small example of how we seek out companionship.
To me those are perfect examples of why a digital learning community is so significant. We don't learn in a bubble. We must have interaction and collaboration to further education. Collaboration among collegues in any educational or life setting is the basis for lifelong learning.
Digital learning communities for whatever their purpose, motivational, educational, vocational, or avocational are an outlet to where learning can always take place. These learning communities are just that, virtural "areas" to congregate, discuss, and share ideas, thoughts, and passions. On the limitless web there are as many learning communites are there are topics. I also think that finding a community as such that is going to further your education is much like trying on shoes. ou may have to try on several different sizes and styles before you find one that fits your needs.
Now that the discussion has come full circle, life long learning is the goal. Einstein said it best, "Once you stop learning, you begin dying."
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