Content-type: text/html Downes.ca ~ Stephen's Web ~ What is student agency–and why do we need it?

Stephen Downes

Knowledge, Learning, Community

The topic of 'agency' was the last of nine topics in the E-Learning 3.0 course and the one that has given me the most pause for thought recently. I won't say that this article is the final word on the subject - not even close - but it's helpful in framing some thinking. A lot of the time things like freedom and agency are defined in terms of choice. But I don't find this very satisfying (as anyone considering the choices on TV, or in the election booth, can attest). This article defines agency (in part) not as choice but as 'initiating action' - this "invokes existential concepts such as voice, choice, free will, freedom, individual volition, self-influence, and self-initiation." There are some useful links here giving us at least some starting points.

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Stephen Downes Stephen Downes, Casselman, Canada
stephen@downes.ca

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Last Updated: Nov 22, 2024 12:38 a.m.

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