Connectivism was presented in the video by George Siemens as a learning theory that integrates social networks, technology and information. My answers to the following questions have been generated from personal experience and information obtained from our resources this week.
How has your network changed the way you learn?
My network has changed the way I learn because it has given me an interesting way to research and access information. Before becoming familiar with all of the technology that is available today it was common place to ask questions of instructors or professionals in a particular field. Today the internet has a solution or answer to any question you may have about any subject and offers information of how others view learning as well. Sometimes there are so many different resources it is hard to choose what to read and you find yourself reading several different blogs and websites. My network has made me a more self-directed learner as discussed in one of our resources, Adult Learning. By expanding my network I will have even more access to different ways of learning. Learning has become an adventure that is never ending and always giving new avenues to reach an answer to a question, problem or just information for future knowledge.
Which digital tools best facilitate learning for you?
The digital tools that best facilitate learning for me are Walden videos and website links and blogs. I find these tools to be interesting to watch and read. I am able to pull out key points which help me understand the information that is being presented. Additional tools that best facilitate learning for me are the internet, new software programs that have been introduced to me (blogging), seeking an expert in a particular field and I can never say enough about Google which provides a pletharoe of information. As Siemens stated in the website link, Connectivism, technology and meaning-making as learning activities has moved learning into the digital age (2005, para. 15).
How do you gain new knowledge when you have questions?
I gain new knowledge when I have questions by accessing Google to find sites that have an explanation to my questions. I also read my classmates discussion posts that are really helpful at times because they may have additional information or ideas about a particular subject. As stated in one of our resources this week, the learning environment can be cross-pollinated through people, technology, social structures, ans systems. There are so many different ways to gain new knowledge and it is all at our fingertips.
In what ways does your personal learning network support or refute the central tenets of connectivism?
My personal learning network supports the central tenet of connectivism because my networks give insight and information that supports the fact that learning and knowledge are a result of diversity in opinions. My networks support the idea of learning sometimes being available in non-human appliances such as data and software. Because the internet is my major personal network it keeps me current on accurate and up-to-date knowledge which is the intent of all connectivist learning activities. These are some of the principals of connectivism and a major one is nurturing and maintaining connections is needed to facilitate continuous learning.
References
Conlan, J. Grabowski, S., & Smith, K. (2003). Adult learning. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Adult_Learning
Davis, C., Edmunds, E., & Kelly-Bateman, V. (2008). Connectivism. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Connectivism
Siemens, G. (Laureatte). (2009). Connectivism. [DVD] Laureate Education, Inc., United States.
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