How Connectivism âConnectsâ to the Way I Learn
According to Dr. George Siemens, the principles of connectivism are:
Diverse opinions stimulate learning and the transfer of knowledge.
The connection between specialized nodes and flows of information make up the learning process.
Learning can take place through non-human applications (such as technology!)
The ability and desire to learn is more important than what individuals already know.
Maintaining meaningful connections and relationships is required for continuous learning.
The ability to see the value in connections across different fields, industries, and concepts is an important skill.
All connectivist learning activities require up-to-date information.
Decision-making is a learning process because information is constantly changing. Even if an answer is correct today, it may be considered wrong tomorrow due to shifts in views and knowledge.
These principles clearly outline some of the main characteristics that I mentioned in my first post! Factors such as building strong connections with individuals across networks, the value in learning through non-human applications, and the ever-changing environment all work together to create the foundation of connectivism.
Our course, EM203, is a perfect example of how connectivism works. Since it is an online course, almost every aspect of our learning modules require us to interact with each other through platforms such as discussion boards and Twitter. These applications allow us to create our own networks (ex. learning groups), and create new forms of knowledge by sharing ideas, opinions, and the results of the activities that we participated in. The three main principles of connectivism that shadow many fundamental components of the course are:
1. Diverse opinions stimulate learning and the transfer of knowledge.
Example: Lesson 4 Discussion - Learning in the 21st Century
As part of the lesson 4 discussion, we were asked to watch a TED Talk by Salman Khan about the power of a digital classroom, and then discuss what we think learning will look like in 2030. Even though I believe that the classroom environment will take on more of a hybrid-style rather than being 100% virtual, many of my peers argued that classrooms will continue being completely virtual in the future - long after the pandemic is over. It was very insightful to read opinions that were different from my own, and I was able to gain a new perspective on what learning might be like for future students.
2. Learning can take place through non-human applications (such as technology!)
Example: Lesson 3 - The 3 Mâs
For the lesson 3 activity, we had to select one of four tasks to complete that we did not previously know how to do. I personally chose to knit a 5 cm by 5 cm square because I have always wanted to learn how to knit but never found the time to do it. Even though the task was something that I was completely unfamiliar with, I did not feel intimidated going into the activity at all! This is because there were so many resources around me - both in real life and online - that I could use to complete this task. I ended up watching a knitting tutorial on YouTube that was made specifically for beginners, and this non-human application really allowed me to quickly pick up a new skill. I will definitely continue using technology and other complex mediums to learn new things in the future!
3. Decision-making is a learning process because information is constantly changing. Even if an answer is correct today, it may be considered wrong tomorrow due to shifts in views and knowledge.
Example: Weekly Twitter Challenges
A significant component of this course is our weekly Twitter challenges. As a student who grew up surrounded by technology and social media, Twitter is an app that I have only used for personal use. However, its integration in EM203 really allows for a unique learning experience that cannot be gained through any other course. The reason why I chose the use of Twitter to represent this specific principle of connectivism is because Twitter is a vast network of more than 300 million people, and breaking news and information on relevant topics are being exchanged within seconds. Information on Twitter can spread with the simple click of a button and the information learned one day might be completely untrue the next. Through our Twitter networks within the course, we can easily share our ideas through tweets, replies, and other media, and it is an integral part of the way I learn in EM203.