Connectivism: Learning Through Networks

Note: Each node in my mind map that has an arrow after the name is a direct Internet link.

My network has changed the way I learn by increasing the number of readily available resources I have access to anytime; including the social networking sites and other digital tools I use. It is not just my local colleagues I make connections with now, but professionals from around the world, constructing networks to obtain and share knowledge.

The digital tools that best facilitate learning for me are the six “key” (using a key graphic on my mind map) networks, which include: Professional Learning Networks, People, Personal Learning Networks, Blogs, Social Networking Sites, and Other Digital Tools. Each network plays a significant role in my learning; not all at the same time, however, all equally important depending on the knowledge I need to obtain.

I learn new knowledge when I have questions by inquiring among the key area, professional learning networks, I participate in that are listed on my mind map. Each individual network is composed of a wealth of knowledge and expertise in an area of interest and need for me. My connections continue to grow, creating new networks.

Module 2 Blog Post

This blog post is in response to two conversations linked below on cognitivism and behaviorism among three important thinkers: Bill Kerr, Stephen Downes, and Karl Kapp.

Behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, and connectivism are learning theory _isms that do not stand still, according to Kerr. “They evolve; they listen to criticism, and move on.” I think it is important to keep this in mind, especially with the use of technology, because as new technologies are developed, discoveries are made on innovative learning ideas, prompting learning theories that may have been labeled as outdated to be rediscovered. Connectivism, the learning theory of the digital age, has evolved out of the other three theories mentioned.

The idea of humanizing machines, rather than dehumanizing humans relies on Cognitive Information Processing (CIP), an important concept to build upon as referred to by Downes with his rejection of behaviorism and support of cognitivism. The human mind is more complex than any computer system and to study human behaviors and cognitive processes is critical to meet all learners’ needs.

One learning theory alone does not describe how all learners gain new knowledge and apply this new knowledge in different situations. As stated by Kapp, “We need to take the best from each theory and use it wisely to create solid educational experiences for all learners.” Each learning theory also relates to Bloom’s Taxonomy levels of intellectual behavior, beginning with the lower levels of learning and extending to higher order thinking skills and learning:
Behaviorism: memorize, recognize, label
Cognitivism: procedural, rule based learning
Constructivism: problem-solving, collaboration, creativity
Connectivism: cyclical, filtering, construct

Original Blog Posts:
Bill Kerr’s Blog
http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2007/01/isms-as-filter-not-blinker.html
Karl Kapp’s Blog
http://karlkapp.blogspot.com/2007/01/out-and-about-discussion-on-educational.html

Additional Learning Theory References:
http://www.learning-theories.com/
http://www.emtech.net/learning_theories.htm
http://www.multiage-education.com/multiagen-b/theories.html