Connectivism
7-A-3 Responding to Connectivism
This assignment is the blogical response to a portion of the con-side of the Connectivism Wiki page.
To be honest, I’m not sure I have a have a firm opinion about connectivism as a learning theory yet. The arguments put forth by both sides make compelling reading. At this point, I’m willing to admit, “I don’t know”.
On one hand, I can see where Siemens is going as he places the changes in technology into modern context. I agree these changes need to be assessed as they alter the way we live, communicate, and (yes) learn.
On the other hand, I can understand the reservations of critics. Connectivism can be a way of looking at how we acquire new information, but does it explain how our brain processes and assigns meaning to information? I’m not sold it is a learning theory.
Would the description of connectivism as a pedagogical practice be diminishing? In my mind, no. Whether it is a learning theory or a curriculum model, is an argument for people who aren’t busy teaching students. I consider connectivism (as learning theory or curriculum model) to be a compelling argument for adding Web 2.0 tools and techniques into the classroom. At the end of the day, I want to use what I can to help my students grow and understand the world around them. Certainly, connectivism has given me some new ways to think about what is the best way to teach.
2 Comments
I know what you mean about leaving the theory vs. curriculum fight to those who aren’t teaching. The general idea is important for educators to keep in mind. What matters is that we teach our students by offering more opportunities to connect through Web 2.0, you are correct!
Really good points here. For those of us in the “on the ground” business of learning (in classrooms with those who are supposed to be learning) it does not seem to make a difference. Seimens does us all a favor by brining learning into context with the tools we now have available. What I find valuable is the brining together of many learning ideas and linking them with technology, showing the power and impact that these concepts can have on the learning process.
I am just as happy to let others fight out the details. I will use the ideas to further the understandings of my students.