Connectivism

How has your network changed the way you learn?

Prior to beginning my endeavor as an Education Technologist, I had an understanding of how networking was important in the field of Business and Finance. However, I did not understand the importance in the field of education. Especially upon the continuation of my studies toward an advanced degree. Sure, in recent years there have been technological developments that assist in our entertainment, however, I do not believe anyone would have thought of the educational impact these tools would have on learning.

Which digital tools best facilitate learning for you?

Tools such as YouTube, Facebook, Google, etc... have changed not only the methods by which we socialize, but also the way we educate ourselves and our students. At my current campus, instructors in our nursing program(s) utilize YouTube regularly. Sure, there is just as much junk on this site as there is on Wikipedia, but if used properly, there is wealthy information.

Sites like Facebook allow students to communicate and collaborate on assignments. Google has many features that are available for communicating, collaborating, and learning. Google Books gives students a quick reference for books that may contain valuable research information and Google Docs allows individuals the chance to share materials with others on one network.

How do you learn new knowledge when you have questions?

If there are materials that I cannot gather from the Walden Library, Google is my next step for researching a topic. Rarely, do I have trouble locating material on this site. If the site does not have specific information, there are times when the site will give me at least a hint toward information needed. As the internet continues to grow and data becomes available, additional sites will become available that will allow us to gather information without stepping foot into a library. Additionally, there could be another internet for us to visit in the future.

Mind Map

The following is a basic mind map that I have created that will allow individuals a chance to see information that I believe follows the field of connectivism. Please feel free to critique and comment on information that is important that I have missed.

Collaboration and Constructivism

Do you believe that humans have a basic instinct to “interact and work as a group,” as Rheingold proposed in his discussion of the evolution of Wikipedia as a collectively developed encyclopedia?

My original answer to this question was simply going to be “NO”. During the past few decades our society has been one of self absortion and selfishness. Many reflect on the Eighties as the “me” decade. I grew up beginning to understand the world during the late Eighties and early Nineties. Since this period in time, I have found that we still live in a “me” society, however, there are changes that continue to occur.

Rheingold (2008) mentions during his 2005 presentation that humans have a tendency to destroy or deplete resources available for consumption. This “tragedy of commons” scenario that de discussed did find groups that have found ways to work around these tragedies and survive. Some might ask, what does this have to do with collaboration in humans?

During the past decade, there has been an increased interest in recycling and working toward renewable energies. I think this is our way of attempting to avoid the “tragedy” that can become.  

How can technology facilitate collaboration among learners based on constructivist principles?

Rheingold (2008) discusses the role that technology has played in how we interact. Desktop computers are our means of communication with the world. Desktops act as a printing press, communication tool, and bank (Rheingold, 2008). He also goes on to discuss how businesses are learning to share information that does not only benefit their organization, but also that of the competition (Rheingold, 2008).

I believe it is important that as our society increases in knowledge, through technology and other resources, new methods of learning will be necessary. Constructivism looks at knowledge that is already instilled within a person. It through experience that individuals grasp the knowledge and gain an understanding of surroundings. As Rheingold (2008) stated, our own interests can be served through shared information and collaboration.

Reference:

Rheingold, H. (2008). Collaboration. Retrieved July 14, 2010 from http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/howard_rheingold_on_collaboration.html