USENET: a constructivist learning environment

Presented to a session of the Association for Educational Communications in Anaheim CA, February, 1995.

This series of slides offers a representation of the Pask model, known as conversation theory. It begins with an explanation of my own symbol system which I use in lieu of Pasks own unique (and oblique) symbol system. Through conversation we construct knowledge, filter it, discover our differences and strive toward mutual understanding. Mutually agreed-upon concepts become community assets.

Symbol System

This is an "op amp". It is an analog amplifier having two inputs and an output. The symbol can be used to represent human functions as well as electronic functions. If the inputs are equal, the output is neutral and expends no energy. If the inputs are different, the output delivers corrective energy to reestablish equilibrium. If the signal applied to the inverting input (-) is greater than the corresponding signal at the non-inverting input (+), then the output delivers energy in a negative direction. If the non-inverting input is greater than the inverting input, the output delivers energy in a positive direction. Such a device can be used to compare two inputs and make a logical decision about their relative values. The energy delivered to the output summarizes the relative positions of the inputs.

Negative Feedback

The term "negative feedback" seems a bit...well, negative! But really it is a positive concept, because this is the thing that keeps us from going off the deep end. When we invest undue energy in our personal biases and filters, someone needs to give us a douse of cold water once in a while to bring us back to equilibrium. In the analog world, an operational amplifier is a comparator with the output feeding back to the inverting input. So as energy is applied to the non-inverting input, the output begins to rise, but since that increase is also fed back to the inverting input, the rise is attenuated or controlled. An operational amplifier behaves in such a way that the output always strives to make the inputs equal. In other words, if the source increases by a given amount, the output adjusts so that there is an equivalent change at the inverting inupt. The system strives for equilibrium.

Behaviorist Model We can use this symbol system to describe behaviorism. The behaviorist model applies corrective energy to the controlled object until the object behaves just like an external reference. Envision a pigeon as the controlled object, and a ping pong champion as the reference object and you can see (shudder!) what Skinner had in mind.

Conversation Theory There are models of control that are not quite so reductionist. The Pask Model is interesting, because it allows for the mutual correction of two equal participants in the learning process. Pask's model calls forth two "cognitve systems" (you and me, teacher and learner, us and them, or human and artificial intelligence). The players hash out their differences over a concept, correcting each other's misconceptions until there is total agreement between the two.

Entailment Mesh You invest all this energy until you reach agreement! So what? Pask suggested that value can be derived from the resulting concept, so maybe it is worth saving. The Pask model includes a method of archiving public concepts (concepts that are shared by all parties involved). The archive is called an entailment mesh, a knowledge base of public concepts.

. . . . .

the Individual and Society Any group, community, or society is, by Pask's definition, a cognitive system. The community learns from its individual participants, and each individual learns from the community. . .

USENET USENETis a medium which allows for the creation of communities of learners. Ongoing conversations are a means of knowledge construction within such communities. . . .

.	FAQs There is value to be derived from these conversations, and it is worth the effort to archive it. One form of entailment mesh is the USENET FAQ (a knowledge base of frequently asked questions [and answers]). . . .

.	Enculturation A newcomer can quickly locate the established dogma of a community by taking the time to browse the entailment mesh. One can learn the jargon, the basic concepts, the issues that are most frequently addressed by those who fully engage in the culture. . .

Lurking In addition, one can learn a great deal by lurking. It is here that peripheral participants learn the biases, the values and the behavior patterns of the regulars in a practioner community. Lurking has a negative connotation, but it is a necessary step in becomming familiar with the culture of a community.

Legitimate Peripheral Participation The apprenticeship model is not unlike the model just presented. It allows the apprentice to observe and learn for a long period before he engages in full participation. Once having learned the basics: the jargon, the values, the rules of participation, he then may begin to participate as a peer, offering his own perspectives which can influence the community and construct new knowledge in the process. . . .