Group+A+6-A-1

Home > Group A Workspace > Learning Activity 6-A-1​ =Connectivism vs. Education = =Who wins?= Overall, connectivism seems to be the new theory out there in the world of theories but not without much debate. This debate is over whether [|connectivism really connects as a learning theory or if it is just a conglomerate of past theories] renewed with a twist. After reviewing the research and watching this awesome [|YouTube Video](below), we believe that connectivism is in fact a learning theory of the 21st century. =What is Connectivism?= [|Connectivism] is the modern way of learning for the Net generation. It offers the quick and specific information that these learners desire. Connectivism consists of individual learners connecting with other learners and using technology tools to discover the unknown. The group of learners becomes a [|network] that takes information from a variety of technological resources and unveils new knowledge. It allows the learner to collect this data and use the pertinent information for their knowledge base learning. From that base, they can continue to grow, reflect and share what they have learned. Connectivism allows the learner to take control of their knowledge. After researching and sifting through the useful information, the learners then have the opportunity to reflect on their findings. Reflection is an apparent part in building knowledge.

The technology tools used by the learners range from simple blogs to social bookmarking to building their "own textbook"([]). Students are able to explore past, present, and future sources with this technology. They are able to network with individuals outside of the learning network to gather extensive resources for their topic. Imagine a giant web constantly being spun but connected to the center; that is connectivism. media type="youtube" key="XwM4ieFOotA" width="243" height="177" align="center" =Connectivism & The Classroom= As teachers, we need to keep up with the everchanging trends in education. We are always seeking the best ways to connect with our students. Connectivism is very relevant to today's teaching philosophy. Students stay connected through a variety of technological devices. It is up to us as teachers to incorporate these instructional tools into our lessons. The [|teacher's responsibility] is to offer guidance and lead the students to the path of learning and organizing new ideas. With connectivism, the teacher is seen as the facilitator (as with constructivism). These students collect the knowledge and turn over new rocks of information.

Connectivism is very relevant to teaching practice because teachers are always trying to integrate topics across the curriculum to have students make connections in more than one subject. One [|principle of connectivism] is the ability to see connections between fields, ideas, and concepts. Another principle is nurturing and maintaining connections to facilitate continual learning. As teachers, we try to use real-life situations so that students remember and apply what they have learned after the unit is over. =Why Connectivism= The Net Generation are learners that are analytical and multi-task problem solvers who enjoy using technology for everyday functions([|Karl Kapp]). Unfortunatly, thes learners are not satisfied with the current state of education. They want their teachers to know more than them about technology; which is not the case. Some believe we as educators are not quite ready for the transition of learning([] ). A [|course explanation by Downes and Siemens], who are the gurus of connectivism, show examples of the true potential of connectivism. These learners rely on social networks and other web 2.0 tools to gather information the way we older learners used Encyclopedia Briattanica or the Yellow Pages. Yes, there are [|past learning theories]that touch on pieces of the connectivism concept but not in it's entirety. Connectivism goes [|beyond the current]learning theories by suggesting the way students are currently learning and what educators need to do to catch up. For example, students are currently using smartphones, iPods, and Skype to communicate with peers about various topics including school. Many academic institutions frown on these gadagets and have bans to avoid the interruptions in the classroom. However, if these gadgets are gravitating the students' attention then we as educators need to differentiate our instruction to gain their attention. Educators and philosophers all over are discussing the need for change in the past practices and theories of learning. Here are a [|few comments] from a connectivism blog. Implementing connectivism is pretty easy considering our students have open the door. Bell (2009), in an article on connectivism, lists a few steps educators can take to embrace this new theory of learning([] ).