Siemens Connectivism Article Summary

The Siemens's article provides an overview of the three traditional theories of learning; presents significant trends or forces impacting the field of learning; and critiques these theories in light of the changing environment particularly with regard to the unprecedented use of technology. Startling to me: the amount of knowledge in world is doubling every 18 months! He then presents his theory of Connectivism and how it could help us create learning environments in keeping with current reality, and keep pace with changing reality, I suppose.

Seimens references Driscoll (2000) in defining Learning and then uses the three traditional learning theories in helping us to understand what learning means, has meant, in the “old days.” Now he says we need to be concerned with the value of what is being learned as well as the manner in which we acquire information. His next statement is: “The need to evaluate the worthiness of learning something is a meta-skill that is applied before learning itself begins”. Surely, both the process of learning and the manner by which we acquire information, as well as the value and use of what is being learned is each, and all, important. An integration of the three old theories and this new one would be helpful.

Wikepedia shows this: learning is commonly defined as a process that brings together cognitive, emotional, and environmental influences and experiences for acquiring, enhancing, or making changes in one's knowledge, skills, values, and world views (Illeris, 2000; Ormorod, 1995). Note that both process and content are considered important; essential to “learning.”

http://www.youtube.com/user/gregaloha#p/p/209BAC7DAACFEDBC/0/a5-Wk2cwb68 helps clarify the concept of Connectivism; and the world-wide, open online course that Seimens created with a buddy is really cool. See below at:

http://ltc.umanitoba.ca/wiki/Connectivism

Course Description: Connectivism and Connective Knowledge is a twelve week course that will explore the concepts of connectivism and connective knowledge and explore their application as a framework for theories of teaching and learning. It will outline a connectivist understanding of educational systems of the future. This course will help participants make sense of the transformative impact of technology in teaching and learning over the last decade. The voices calling for reform do so from many perspectives, with some suggesting 'new learners' require different learning models, others suggesting reform is needed due to globalization and increased competition, and still others suggesting technology is the salvation for the shortfalls evident in the system today. While each of these views tell us about the need for change, they overlook the primary reasons why change is required.

Date: September 14, 2009 - December 6, 2009

Technologies Used: Through out this "course" participants will use a variety of technologies. For example, participants will use blogs, Second Life, Page Flakes, attend UStream sessions, attend Elluminate sessions, participate in discussions in Moodle forums, and so on. Additional technologies will be introduced as is required to attend to concerns or opportunities arising over the next 12 weeks.

Question: What is Second Life? Page Flackes”? Elluminate sessions?

Finally, I’m interested in making sure our social networks used in higher education are substantive, and rewarding, not just catering to our addictive habits of “clicking for clicking sake”. See David’s article!!

PS I'm still learning how to upload the video!! Help this baby boomer become a bit more techi???