Module 4: Connectivism

Siemens (2009), states that learning is the act of connecting to other people or to data and other information sources.  Technology tools such as blogs, wikis, and other social networking sites have allowed learners to acquire and share knowledge to others in an instant. Connectivism has provided a platform for me as an educator to use technology and incorporate various tools to allow students to learn using diverse networks and acquire new knowledge on a continuous basis.  These tools have also allowed new ways of learning to occur for myself as well. As a result of using these tools in my coursework, I have learned how to use new technology tools to incorporate in my classes.  The digital tools that best facilitate learning for me have been wikis and blogs.  I have learned how to use these tools to connect and share my learning experiences with my peers and collaborate with others.  Even though I still use the Internet for research and acquiring new knowledge, being exposed to these other new tools have opened my eyes to more options for learning.

References

Laureate Education, Inc., (Executive Producer). (2009). Connectivism Learning Theory. [Video webcast].   Retrieved from    http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=6509858&Survey=1&47=9580570            &ClientNodeID=984645&coursenav=1&bhcp=1

Other comments

http://jygreensblog.blogspot.com/2012/04/module-4-connectivism-mindmap.html?showComment=1335756962523#c6294949914100952851

http://schroederedtech.blogspot.com/2012/04/module-4-network-mapping.html?showComment=1335757151085#c8579420940197650650

http://edtechlearningtheory8845-2.blogspot.com/2012/04/connectivism-how-has-your-network.html?showComment=1335757427239#c6726584429623947920

Cognitivism as a Learning Theory

Module 2-Blog 2

Kerr and Knap share in their blogs their personal stances on the evolution of learning theories and their respective places in the educational arena.  Kerr (2007), stated that _isms offer us something useful without being complete or stand alone.  I agree with his statement because I think that as learning theories have been studied, each new theory somehow stemmed from a previous school of thought.  Using _isms as a filter instead of a blinker to guide us thorough how we learn is a great way to look at these evolving theories (Kerr, 2007).  Kapp (2007) also stated that learning is multi-faceted and should be treated as such.  I agree with Kapp’s statement because learning does occur differently from one person to the next.  I think it is best to take a little from each theory and use them according to the individual needs of the student.

References

Kerr, B. (2007, January 1). _isms as filter, not blinker [Web log post]. Retrieved from http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2007/01/isms-as-filter-not-blinker.html

Kapp, K. (2007, January 2). Out and about: Discussion on educational schools of thought [Web log post]. Retrieved from http://www.kaplaneduneering.com/kappnotes/index.php/2007/01/out-and-about-discussion-on-educational/

Other responses
http://jygreensblog.blogspot.com/2012/03/module-2-cognitivism-as-learning-theory.html?showComment=1333935556161#c7808307381818717354

http://schroederedtech.blogspot.com/2012/03/module-2-those-isms.html?showComment=1333937521914#c397793386478229342