Connectivism Reflections
Being accustomed to learning in a traditional environment, enrolling in an online classroom created new ways of thinking, learning, networking, socializing, receiving and sharing information. According to research from over 200 studies, students in technology-rich classrooms are empowered by the Internet to explore and express themselves. Students in a technology-rich classroom take a more active role in their learning and by using “a variety of tools for acquiring knowledge and for thinking and communication allows more students more ways to enter the learning enterprise successfully and to lead productive lives in the global, digital, information-based future they all face” (Statham & Torell, 1996).
Learning is facilitated best for me from the videos and discussion forum. New knowledge is gained by sharing and receiving information and videos from peers and facilitator. As well as reading related articles from the Walden University resources and Google.com.
Walden University classroom fully supports the basic tenets of connectivism. In the connectivism model, the process of learning begins when the learner connects to a community. According to Siemens (2004), “A community is the clustering of similar areas of interest that allows for interaction, sharing, dialoguing, and thinking together.” Knowledge from the community can be accessed through the Internet and stored in digital format (Kop & Hill, 2008). Learning and cognition in the connectivism model is gained through maintaining connections, making connections between fields of information, and using decision-making skills to determine what to learn as well as the meaning of information from the community (Siemens, 2004). Although connectivism is not limited to the Internet, it has been a significant development for connectivism theory (Siemens, 2004). The Internet allows users to create personal learning communities and collaborate with experts in every field. Teachers can easily connect with other teachers to share best practices, favorite resources, or inspiring stories. Students can connect with other students or professionals in a safe, student-friendly learning environment. The idea of connectivism allows everyone to contribute and learn as well as make connections both personal and cognitive.
Reference
Gasell C. (n.d) “Emerging Theories: How the Internet has Changed Learning”. Retrieved from http://edtech2.boisestate.edu/gasellc/metportfolio/courseassignments/Emerging_Gasell.pdf
Philosophy. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.ncpublicschools.org/curriculum/computerskills/scos/04philosophy
4 Big Ideas That Will Change The World Of Training ... (n.d.). Retrieved from http://theelearningcoach.com/elearning2-0/big-ideas-that-will-change-training/
Mohamed Amine Chatti's ongoing research on Knowledge and ... (n.d.). Retrieved from http://mohamedaminechatti.blogspot.com/2006/09/what-is-community.html
