This paper aims to shed light on an emergent kind of learning occurring as
part of participating in global open on
line courses. Participants voluntarily
jump into an ocean of co
mplexity and fractal nature
, yet are able to swim
through and learn. The paper outlines Connectivism as the framework for
such learning, and describes the struct
ure of PLENK2010 course. Then, four
lessons learned during the involvement
of the author as a learner in the
course are detailed, among them the different channels for learning in such an
environment and the (no) need for direct
assessment. As the course has still
few weeks to go, the lessons learned so far will surely go under further
consideration. However, those who cons
ider participating in massive online
open courses either as learners or as
facilitators might benefit from this
primary account.

Keywords

Metaphors for Learning · MOOC · Personal Learning Environment (PLE) · Personal Learning Network (PLN)