Siemens (2004) states "Learning (defined as actionable
knowledge) can reside outside of ourselves (within an organization or a
database), is focused on connecting specialized information sets, and the
connections that enable us to learn more are more important than our current state
of knowing." In a world full of ICT’s, specifically the internet, knowing
and internalising information are not necessarily the most essential facet of
learning, rather, the way we connect to the information being the essential
tool to our learning.
Previous learning theories, such as constructivism, discuss
how information is processed and internalised by learners, not how the
information is presented to them. This may be a fact of geography, presented to
a student of a social status that makes them interpret and internalise the
information differently and therefore have an alternate impact on their
knowledge, one that may be the complete opposite to what the learning
experience intended.
Connectivism presents itself as a process where the
information and its interpretation is non-essential, rather how the information
is accessed, through multiple sources and how to interpret that information as
worthy as such is the most significant tool a learner can have.
I agree that focus should be on Connectivism rather than
other models due to the rapid change in the world throughout the 21st
century. ICT’s and information is being updated quicker and quicker each year,
month and day and teaching information today is becoming more and more
irrelevant – students learning physics are taught theories in class that become
obsolete by the end of term exams. Using Connectivism, we can empower our
students to find the most up to date, viable and correct information possible,
whilst connecting them globally to whomever they need to become the most
skilled persons in their study, even before they interpret and internalise
data.
Siemens theory can be found in more detail here.
Siemens theory can be found in more detail here.
References
Siemens, G. (2004). Connectivism:
A learning theory for the digital age. Retrieved from http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/connectivism.htm
Wow Ross your reflections are highly insightful! You have obviously spent a great deal of time on them. Do you think connectivism is best for self-directed and self-motivated learners?
ReplyDeleteCheers Anna
Thanks for the comment Anna. I came up with these ideas whilst reading the material on the subject, then realised how closely related they were to my lifestyle of learning. Practically all online and using a computer these days.
DeleteWhilst I agree that connectivism is best for self-directed and self-motivated learners, I feel most strongly that all students need to be proficient in the theory.. Simply due to the exponential nature of knowledge, the traditional teaching theories are not able to constantly update knowledge, only teach the present information and move on the the next topic. Connectivism allows students to control their own learning, and be up to date.
Great thinking Ross. Siemens is regarded as a leader in his area and worshiped by many of the ICT leaders in Queensland.
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