Connectivism as a Learning Theory: Mindmapping Blog Post 4

• How has your network changed the way you learn?

A network arises when two or more learning communities known as nodes connect and form a larger learning community for learning. Networks can store and distribute information by digital means. Connectivism is a process where, “the starting point for learning occurs when knowledge is actuated through the process of a learner connecting to and feeding information into a learning community” (Kop & Hill, 2008, p. 2). Networks allow information to exchange very rapidly. The, “validity and accuracy of information may change over time depending on the discovery of new contributions pertaining to a subject” (Kop & Hill, 2008, p. 2). I find my own process for learning and decision making changes through attainment of current updates. Constructivism emphasizes “two important skills that contribute to learning which are the ability to seek out current information and the ability to filter secondary and extraneous information” (Kop & Hill, 2008, p. 2).

• Which digital tools best facilitate learning for you?

I use digital tools that foster and guide my learning process. Constructivism learning principles emphasize learning as, “a network formation process of connecting specialized nodes or information sources” (Siemens, 2006, p. 31). The digital tools emphasize different types of learning ecologies. They are adaptive and provide effective means for knowledge exchange. An example is the e-college classes that I take online through Walden University. The teaching staff where I work use promethean board technology  as a facilitative tool for guiding student learning. Other examples include game-based learning programs such as study-island and hoodamath . An example of a community - based learning tool for data learning discussions is Edmodo. Our teaching staff receives professional development using Edmodo. Another community-based tool for collaboration is Google Docs. Wikis and Blogs are excellent sources for self-learning that is independent. Skype - is a tool for recurring conferences. Digital tools provide a continuum for learning as an exploratory process.

• How do you learn new knowledge when you have questions?

I use self-learning digital tools as a way to learn new knowledge or when I have questions. They are a good source for getting background knowledge and learning additional information. Informal learning conference tools are also a source for asking meaningful questions. As a learner, I may find meaning through the chaotic conversations. If the process is more formal, I value community-based learning programs as a tool for getting a multifaceted view of the latest information. Descriptions of the types of learning in a learning ecology are on Table 1 of the Siemen’s (2006) text.

References:

Blogs. (n.d.). Retrieved on October 22, 2011 from  http://www.blogger.com/.

Edmodo. (n.d.). Retrieved October 22, 2011 from http://www.edmodo.com/.

Google Docs. (n.d). Retrieved on October 22, 2011 from 
           http://docs.google.com/demo/.

Hooda Math. (n.d.). Retrieved October 22, 2011 from http://hoodamath.com/.

Laureate, Education, Inc. Login. (n.d.). Retrieved October 22, 2011 from

http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/

Promethean Technology for Educators. (n.d). Retrieved on October 22, 2011 from

            http://www.prometheanworld.com/.

Siemens, G. (2006). Knowing knowledge. Retrieved from http://www.Lulu.com.

Skype. (n.d.). Retrieved on October 22, 2011 from
            http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/home.

StudyIsland. (n.d.). Retrieved on October 22, 2011from http://www.studyisland.com/.

Wikis. (n.d.). Retrieved on October 22, 2011 from http://www.wikispaces.com/.