Module 4: ConnectivismParksJ

Connectivism



MindMap

How has your network changed the way you learn?

• Learning through the resources listed on my mind map has increased my attention to details, concepts, and presentation.  Each resource listed has bridged the gap between various learners and learning style.  As teachers and educators, each of these tools have given new meaning to creating a learning environment that encourages students actively and creatively become more involved in learning through out of the box interaction.  Each of these tools promotes teaching, learning, and effective presentation. It is no longer about the educator/teacher feeding; but, it is about us all feeding, gathering, creating, and disseminating equally.  The resources listed on this Mindmap encourage and promote creative thinking, learning, sharing, and doing. 

Which digital tools best facilitate learning for you?

·        Siemens (2006) believes whether utilizing online tools and techniques, or participating in a physical environment, the capacity for effective knowledge flow, optimal opportunities for connection, recombination, and re-creation is vital to the success of total integration of new knowledge and understanding. During this course, an opportunity to use the following learning tools such as blogs, wikis, Walden University writing center, and the discussion boards that are interactive, challenging and facilitate learning.

How do you learn new knowledge when you have questions?

• Expanding and making sense of new knowledge is enhanced through google searches, yahoo groups, reading blogs, and following up with research to get additional clarity.

 References:

Bayne, G. (Producer). (2008, January 29). Connectivism [Audio podcast]. Retrieved from http://www.educause.edu/blog/gbayne/ELIPodcastConnectivism/167445

Kop, R., & Hill, A. (2008). Connectivism: Learning theory of the future or vestige of the past? International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 9(3), 1–13.
Retrieved from the Walden Library using the Education Research Complete database.

Siemens, G. (2006). Knowing knowledge. Retrieved from http://www.Lulu.com.
Siemens, G. (2006). Knowing Knowledge. Copyright 2006 by George Siemens. Used by permission.

M3, Collaboration ParksJ

M3, Collaboration ParksJ

Driscoll (2005) postulated the constructivist theory knowledge acquisition is a continuous process of self-construction and engagement. Knowledge is not just out there waiting to be gathered or discovered. Nor does it just appear out of nowhere; instead knowledge is invented and reinvented (Driscoll, 2005). Piaget believed children actively approach their environments and acquire knowledge through actions. Collaboration is engaging all stakeholders in developing and acquiring new knowledge. New and emerging technological advancements make active collaboration among learners, possible. Collaboration allows individuals to present ideas to a group for discussion, analysis, contribution, development, and enhancement.

All humans have a basic instinct to freely or for profit to interact and work as a group (Rheingold, 2008). New and emerging technologies hold a lot of promise in the field of educational technology. This new and emerging technology will influence the value and amount of group interactions. The role of technology in collaborative learning is engaging learners in the process of learning and interaction with others. New and emerging technologies that will facilitate collaboration among learners includes Google Docs, YouTube, wikis, eBooks, blogging, Flickr, Twitter, the Cloud, and iPad. Another collaborative tool based on the constructivist principles, is SharePoint sites provide places to capture and share ideas, information, communication, and documents (Machielse, 2011). The sites facilitate team participation in discussions, shared document collaboration, and surveys. Site content is accessible from both a Web browser and through clients that support Web Services (SharePoint, 2012).

Graham (2009) believed new and emerging technology can facilitate the collaboration process by linking individuals who share a common interest and goal. Effective communication is a key to knowledge construction (Brown, 2005).

References:

Graham, K.  (2009).  TechMatters: We’re in this Together: Using Technology to Facilitate Collaboration,
           Part II.  Central Michigan University.  LOEX Quarterly. Volume 36 Number 2

http://www.tomorrow.org/speakup/pdfs/SU09UnleashingTheFuture.pdf

Machielse, C. (2011). 7 Ways to Use Technology for Collaborative Learning in Your Classroom.  http://info.lecturetools.com/blog/bid/33416/7-Ways-to-Use-Technology-for-Collaborative-Learning-in-Your-Classroom.

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

M2, Cognitivism as a Learning TheoryParksJ
As an educator, learning the impact cognitivism has as a learning theory is an eye opener deserving more research. Kerr (2007) and Kapp (2007) agreed that learning is a multi layered event; learning does not take place in isolation because of the connection that is made to another event. There are a lot of “isms” attached to learning theories that make it important to avoid a one-size-fit mentality. The one size fits all can not work because the learner has embedded within themselves specific ways of learning and doing things. Each learner is unique and, as educators, it is our duty to present the curriculum in such a matter that each learner is successful. Understanding learning theories, students’ learning styles, and perceptions will help determining best practices.
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/