Connectivism

Learning My Mapping Connections Reflection 

Connectivism, the topic for week 5’s learning. Davis, Edmunds & Kelly-Bateman (2003) described George Siemens’ theory of connectivism as “the combined effect of three different components: chaos theory, importance of networks, and the interplay of complexity and self-organization” (p. 62). It being the starting point learning occurs when knowledge is triggered through the process of a learner connecting to and conveying knowledge into a learning environment. Week 5 assignment, to create a Mind Map illustrating our network connections and technologies that help us to learn (i.e., social networks, personal learning networks, Web resources, virtual worlds, etc.).

My network has changed all throughout my educational journey thus allowing me to have the flexibility to meet both my professional and educational goals. Growing up I attended traditional courses in the classroom setting, only option at the time. During my undergraduate degree traditional courses were the only option and I did the best I could to manage taking courses around the clock to manage my full-time job. Years later the option to learn online became available to complete my graduate degree.  My network changes bring about a number of advantages to enroll in an online learning program. Fowles (n.d.) defined online learning as “any learning experience or environment that relies upon the Internet/www as the primary delivery mode of communication and presentation.”

“New technology forces the 21st century learner to process and apply information in a very different way and at a very different pace from any other time in history” (Davis, Edmunds & Kelly-Bateman, 2003, p. 62). These advancements in technology have provided me vast opportunities to expand my network as I become more familiar with using a variety of digital tools. The digital tools that have best facilitated learning have included the iPad, iPod, laptop, smartphones, smartwatch, desktop computers, mobile phones, e-readers, storage devices (flash drives), input devices (keyboards, mice, scanner), output devices (printers, speakers), Skype, social networks, Internet access tools, APPs and  more. Learning to use many of the digital tools took some time since it was a little intimidating at first however with practice I was on track to becoming proficient. Learning with technology and the digital tools has opened my world up as it is a very big part of my professional, personal and educational life.

Having access to many digital tools has expanded my knowledge in many areas. Learning is never ending as technology only continues to advance and we must also continue to grow with it. Using digital tools on a daily basis expands my mind, my abilities and my skills in ways I could not imagine, and it’s not stopping anytime soon. I have begun my second graduate program giving me the chance to continue to seek out and learn any and all technology tools, APPs, software, etc., as it can only benefit instructional designs I work on in the future. Having “communication is almost instantaneous from virtually anywhere, anytime” (Orey, 2010, p. 288) allowing me to respond to class peers and instructor in my online course(s) and post my work for review. Having the ability to communicate with class peers from any part of the country allows me to open my mind up to new perspectives. Each work day brings access to new software, APPs, software, digital tools, and communication and learning tools. On a personal note, both of my children are now in elementary school and teachers have been amazing with communicating with us via the use of various APPs i.e., Remind, Class Dojo, See Saw, to learn about almost anything, to include my children’s daily behavior.  I will admit that my happiest moments come from learning about anything technology from my 5 and 8 years old (they learn so much in school, on their own, with friends, and with us).

With new technologies becoming available to us on a daily basis “the span of time between learning something new, being able to apply it, and finding that it is outdated and no longer useful continues to decrease” (Davis, Edmunds & Kelly-Bateman, 2003, p. 62). “Technology is altering (rewiring) our brains. The tools we use define and shape our thinking” (Siemens, 2005). I believe my personal network support the central tenets of connectivism is one where I am allowed to analyze my individual thought process and “learning is a continual process, lasting for a lifetime” (Siemens, 2005).

References

Davis, C., Edmunds, E. & Kelly-Bateman, V.  (2003). Adult learning. In M. Orey (Ed.),    Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved October 6, 2018, from http://textbookequity.org/Textbooks/Orey_Emergin_Perspectives_Learning.pdf

Fowles, C. (n.d.) Glossary of Online Learning Terms: OnlineLearning. Retrieved on October 6, 2018, from http://www.usd.edu/library/instruction/glossary.shtml#o.

Orey, M. (2010). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://textbookequity.org/Textbooks/Orey_Emergin_Perspectives_Learning.pdf

Siemens, G. (2005). Connectivism: A learning theory for the digital age. [online]. Retrieved October 6, 2018, from http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/connectivism.htm