Connectivism

Connectivism:



My network has changed the way I learn because it offers me instant and accessible resources from around the world. For instance, blogs that I follow allow me to read about educational trends that are happening across the globe from a diverse group of experts in the field.  Additionally, my network has allowed me to learn both formally and informally through videos, podcasts, and social networking sites. However, while creating my mind map, I realized that I need to seek out personalized learning communities to join. Becoming a member of a learning community allows me access to others and encourages me to engage in dialogue and use my voice.

            My favorite digital tools that foster learning are Camtasia; Snag it, and IMovie technology.  Since I enrolled at Walden University, my interest in the area of audio and video technology has flourished.  Prior to my enrollment in the Educational Technology program, I did not know these tools existed and had never used them in the classroom. However, I am now able to incorporate this technology into coursework so that students can learn how to utilize these digital tools.  Additionally, I fully utilize my IPad and IPhone to access anytime, anywhere information and resources.

Currently, I use tutorials, blogs, search engines and mobile technology to answer questions and glean new knowledge.

Classmate’s blogs I posted to:

Wojoedtech.blogspot.com (Laura)

Learningsquared.blogspot.com (Seane)

Collaboration

Collaboration Module 3:

Yes, I do believe that humans, like insects, fish, locusts, and others in the animal kingdom,  form networks that create connections and relationships that allow us to emerge and work as high functioning community networks. According to Fischer (2009) collective behavior results from simple rules of social interaction between people. According to Rheingold (2008), many corporations are creating supercomputing collectives that allow people to work to find solutions for our world problems. These relationships are effective because the members of the system work from an understanding that when we enrich others, we enrich ourselves. Finally, we have discovered that we are able to do more for our world collectively, than we are as individuals, and technology is the tool that links us to create effective working community networks.

Technology can facilitate collaboration among learners utilizing constructivist principles by bringing groups of people not limited by time and space, to build on positive educational experiences.  According to Reste & Laferriere (2007), convincing evidence indicates learning benefits for online collaborative learning includes high order thinking skills, student satisfaction with the learning experiences, and improved productivity.  However, in order for collaborative learning to be successful teachers need to create a learning space that focuses on student engagement and pedagogical strategies that foster the development of a knowledge building community and are student centered and steeped in constructivist principles.

References:

Fisher, L. (2009). The Perfect Swarm. New York, New York. Basic Books.

Resta, P. & Laferriere, T., (2007). Technology in support of collaborative learning. Educational Psychology

Review.  Retrieved at: http://www.edb.utexas.edu/cscl/2010/readings/resta_2007.pdf

Rheingold, H. (2008, February). Howard Rheingold on collaboration [Video file]. Retrieved at

                http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/howard_rheingold on collaboration.html

Classmates I responded to:

http://wojoedtech.blogspot.com/

http://corablades1.blogspot.com/