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
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteYou are certainly a model for Siemens in that your mind map shows how digital tools influence personal drive to connect with others in order to learn. One of the most significant benefits of digital tools is that they allow learners to read and reflect. Through this cycle, we learn from misconceptions and opinions of others and ourselves. Although learning can be recognition of information, I think that knowledge is the ability to use the patterns in information in several contexts. I am beginning to agree that the social network intensifies connections and creates nodes on a deeper level as a result of the rapid growth of technology.
ReplyDeleteWould you agree that knowing how to know is more important than what you know?
I agree Marci. Whoever thought there was a wrong and right way to gain knowledge. Throughout our educational experience, we have been forced to learn information at different rates.
ReplyDeleteNow thinking back, what if the educational system presented the wrong way to learn? If psychologists are presenting strategies to help humans succeed, why is it hard for humans to take this information and use it wisely?
Marci,
ReplyDeleteI certainly agree that knowing how to know is certainly more important than what you know because you can only personally know so much even if that knowledge is vast. Knowing how to know give you so much more range and greatly expands your knowledge base and network.
I enjoyed your map and post. Great job!
I hear you! I am afraid that I have been teaching my students incorrectly, especially since I am beginning to see a change in them after studying learning theory more in-depth. I believe that we are all different and our environment, besides school, greatly impacts our ability to find intrinsic motivation for academic learning. Our job is help our students find that motivation by teaching in a style that fits them. It is difficult with a classroom full, but when you mix strategies all in throughout the day, you see results. I think we have to just do "whatever it takes" to see progress. I have one kid who would never learn in a group, so I have a hard time believing that connectivism is the end to all ends. I do think it makes a tremendous impact for adult learning though.
ReplyDelete