Connectivism

Reflection: As I think back in terms of how I and others learned perhaps twenty years ago,it is evident that different approaches and personal skills are needed to learn effectively in today's society. For example, the ability to see connections between fields, ideas, and concepts is a core skill.Both organizational and personal learning are integrated tasks which weave the networks of learning together. Connectivism attempts to provide an understanding of how both learners and organizations learn as demonstrated through the many resources now utilized as part of their networks. I've been introduced to so many tools over the last few years, I think that the most useful at this time would be my networking community via linkedin. It has allowed me to connect with business professionals, alumni from old colleges, family and friends. Additionally, it has been the main pipeline in terms of job searches.

Reference

Siemens, G. (2005).Connectivism: A learning theory for a digital age. International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning, 2(1). Retrieved October 22nd, 2010 from http://www.itdl.org/Journal/Jan_05/article01.htm

Collaboration (Howard Rheingold)

Mod3_WK5-6

Question:

Do you believe that humans have a basic instinct to “interact and work as a group,” as Rheingold proposed in his discussion of the evolution of Wikipedia as a collectively developed encyclopedia? How can technology facilitate collaboration among learners based on constructivist principles?

Response:

Rheingold alludes to the fact that humans succeed through collaborative effort and when they all work in concert. I tend to agree with this statement. The evolution of Open Universities and Open software resources (e.g., UNIX etc) support the fact that there is a consistent effort for people wanting to work in harmony. Secondly, technology can facilitate the exchange of information and expanded access to a global environment – hence collaboration. The constructivist approach to learning is facilitated by the internet because the theory focuses on making connections and making meaning in the learning process.Technology such as the internet links together individuals who share common goals and interest. As an instructional tool, the internet enables distance learning by connecting people separated by time and space. It promotes peer learning by bringing learners together in the same space so that they can share their knowledge and insights, communicating with each other to help each other learn. If supported by effective communications, groups of different sexes, mixed cultures, varying learning styles, abilities, socioeconomic status, and age can bring a wealth of knowledge and perspective to authentic, challenging tasks. Effective communications is critical to knowledge construction. If web-based courses are designed with a constructivist approach in mind, the learners will be encouraged through self-directed learning. They will perform critical analysis through exploring an expanded environment. Learners are engaged, and reflect on their experiences and they navigate, create and construct their own unique knowledge bases.

References

Driscoll, Mary P. (2005). Psychology of Learning for Instruction. (3rd ed). Boston, MA: Pearson Publishing

Rheingold, H. (2008, February): Howard Rheingold on collaboration. [Video file]. Retrieved on October 12^th, 2010 from http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/howard_rheingold_on_collaboration.html