Connectivism

The digital age has blossomed in the 21st century. Everyone is connected easily within this era of technology, which form their learning network. The networks that I engage in allow me to receive information from others as well as research information instantly. My goal from interacting with these networks is to learn information from peers and present any knowledge that I may have that could be beneficial to others. Learning is a “door opening” process which permits the capacity to receive knowledge, followed by encoding knowledge as a node within our personal learning network (Siemens, 2005).

The tools that I feel best facilitate my learning is the discussion board and social networking sites. Learning and knowledge rests in diversity of opinions (Siemens, 2005). The discussion board allow me to interact with my peers, respond to questions (stating my opinions and experiences), as well as receive instant feedback from my instructor. Not only do I learn from the content of the lesson but also from my classmates. Social networking sites are the most popular form of communication for the 21st century. Social networking sites allow instant contact by phone, chatting, or text messaging which means knowledge can be transmitted immediately. People from two different regions of the country can communicate right away by logging on to one of the following popular programs: facebook, skype, twitter, etc.

New knowledge is obtained by browsing the internet for possible solutions if answers cannot be obtained from an individual. Although the internet present answers, not all information can be considered truthful. Information obtained still has to be researched to determine its accuracy.

Sources:

Siemens, G. (2005). Connectivism: learning as network-creation. Retrieved from http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/networks.htm

Module 3

After reviewing the theorists' philosophies on education, each theorist has proclaimed to have the answers on how learning takes place and how to create a meaningful learning environment. Although I am not an expert in this particular area, I agree with the constructivist theorist on collaboration. Constructivist theory rests on the assumption that knowledge is constructed by learners as they attempt to make sense of their experiences (Driscoll, 2005). I feel that collaborating with your environment (peers, teachers, etc.) and the world can have a lasting impact within an individual's educational experience. According to Rheingold, human communication media and the ways in which we organize socially have been co-evolving for quite a long time (Rheingold, 2008). The many examples that Rheingold gives concludes the point that if we work together, we can achieve/solve more. The wikipedia example serves this point.


The constructivist theory of collaborative learning has flourished since the invention of the internet. The internet many features allow the students to create an authentic learning environment. The internet enhances student's knowledge acquisition by facilitating student's accessto resources from the outside wrld including experts in the field, as well as interacting directly with them (Kumar, 2004). The next advantage of technology/internet, is the ability to communicate instantly. Students have the options of emailing, chatting, joining social networks,etc. to discover information or disperse information. Lastly, technology/internet promotes higher order thinking skills through multiple activities. Learners can access a wealth of resources a their own paces and have meaningful interactions with the content information (Kumar, 2004).

The question still remains by current educators on which educational theorists' philosophy is beneficial to the learner in this data driven society? Focusing on the constructivist theorist, since it was this week's topic, teachers face much pressure on including collaboation due to the little knowledge on new teaching strategies and less freedom in lesson planning. Who has the answer to creating an exemplary education system? The world may never know.



Sources:

Driscoll, M. P. (2005). Psychology of learning for instruction (3rd ed.). Boston: Pearson Education, Inc.

Kumar, M. (2004). Learning with the internet. Retrieve on April 12, 2010 from http://www.newhorizons.org/strategies/technology/muthukumar.htm

Rheingold, H. (2008, February). Howard Rehingold on collaboration. Vodcast posted to http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/howard_rheingold_on_collaboration.html