I have been binge thinking about #bingelearning

While writing my 'Neflix Generation' post I become more and more interested in the concept of Binge Learning, so much so I decided it needs its own post...

What is Binge Learning?
To define Binge Learning, you first need to define binge-watching. Cue Wikipedia; "Binge-watching, also called binge-viewing, is the practice of watching television for longer time spans than usual, usually of a single television show". Therefore my definition is;

Binge Learning is the practice of learning content for longer time spans than usual. 

When is Binge Learning effective?
Binge learning is usually not 'cramming for an exam'. The difference lies in the why you are binging. I once watched the BBC for 4 hours while waiting for a plane - why? I was a captive audience, there was no other channel. Binge learning should be something the learner is fully immersed in - they do not want the learning to end. 

By definition, Binge learning is any learning that continues for a longer time than normal. It may be as simple as flagging writing as the students are so gripped in solving a question in maths - or as complex as an entire term in a completely integrated topic about 'flying'.

So, why Binge Learn? 

1. Binge watching and learning means you do not forget what happened last time, making the viewing/learning more enjoyable. 
2. It allows for more complex storylines/learning. If a viewer/learner has to wait a week between shows/lessons the emphasise then becomes on either catching them up with the action or having episodes/lessons that sit in complete isolation (they can be viewed/taught without any previous knowledge). This leads to shows and lessons that are, to be kind, simple. One off shows/lessons may be enjoyable enough at the time, but you are probably not likely to lye awake at night thinking about them!
3. Binge watching/learning is more exciting as you know your learning/viewing will not come to an abrupt stop. I feel this allows you to 'let go' more and become emotionally invested in the viewing/leaning.
4. Time is not an issue. So often in our learning, time becomes a barrier. It may even be the reason we use to many closed and not enough open questions in our teaching. Binge learning allows us to throw away the clock and focus on the learning - no matter how long it takes. Not worrying about time also allows students who may be slow to pick up a new concept - but fast to apply concepts learnt - a chance to succeed.
5. Better lesson design. Often our lesson planning restricts around chunks of time, so our thinking as to possibilities stays within these windows. Planning for Binge learning means we can get more creative - we can allow for more options for students and free ourselves up to support individuals more effectively. One of the aspirations of Binge learning should be to have students emotionally invested in their learning. To do this, we need to plan exciting and relevant tasks. Binge lesson cannot truly occur with worksheets!

Want to set up Binge Learning for you students? The conditions to help make Binge Learning happen are;

Content that is relevant and engaging ....to the point that the learner is emotionally invested in it. To really have the learner emotionally invested, you may need to have a 'so what' or 'action to take' outcome in your learning. 

The content is all there for the learner. Binge learning can not take place with a worksheet. Why? Worksheets end - like an old school TV show. Just as Netflix releases the entire season of a TV series, we need to release entire 'units of work'. Giving learners all the content at once would have created a huge 'paper monster' with 30 'baby paper monsters' in the past. With the advent of devices, content can now be made available through a series of online resources that students can navigate through at their own pace. 

Take them on a journey. The most popular 'binge watching shows' are those that have story-lines that flow into each other like chapters in a book. Likewise, to design Binge Learning we need to 'map out' the learning. Pose some questions or a problem, alongside some tools and resources that will guide thinking. Watching TV is not as fun when you know what happens - likewise telling the learner what is going to happen (and when we finish you will make a video about ...) is not as gripping.