Connectivism and Collaboration

Today’s learner is like sailboat on a voyage in the vast ocean of life. When the wind blows in one direction, waves push and crash, cool weather stiffens the sails, and calm waters welcome coasting the sailboats captain must adjust and modify their course of action to safely bring their boat to the desired destination. Like the sail boat needs to change due to its environment, today’s learner is required to transfer and change learning experiences according to the innovative technology and communication provided to succeed in their future. According to Siemens, G. (2005) “Connectivism presents a model of learning that acknowledges the tectonic shifts in society where learning is no longer an internal, individualistic activity. How people work and function is altered when new tools are utilized.” As an educator it’s imperative to my student’s success to be aware of the new learning tools and learning environment in the digital era that we live in. I agree with Siemens concept of exposing students to the importance that learning is a lifelong process. Demonstrating to students that even today I am learning new tools including photo story, blogging, and developing a delicious account to excel my proficiencies as a teacher is an imperative lesson students need to understand. For this reason I agree with Siemens, G. (2005) when he states, “Learning and work related activities are no longer separate. In many situations, they are the same.” Providing learning experiences inside and outside the classroom that encompasses new technology that produces a community of life long learners is essential for our sail boats to safely sail to their desired destination.


To find out more information about George Siemens’ theory of Connectivism, read the following article:
http://www.itdl.org/Journal/Jan_05/article01.htmSiemens, G. (2005, January). Connectivism: A Learning Theory for the Digital Age. International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning, Retrieved November 20, 2005 and listen to one or more of the following videos in which Siemens elaborates on Connectivism.

Social software is an excellent source for opening the communication between people with common interests and walks of life. Siemens (2009) discusses how social software includes a wide range of communicative devices on the internet including blogging, wiki’s, my space, face book, and many more. Through these resources people can make connections to people who have similar interests and meet people who have similar interests in a specific content. The connection to an effortlessly developed dialogue is the content resource that links the participants. As a teacher developing a blog for students to discuss a book we are reading in class would be an excellent way to encourage conversations and apply this concept of social media and learning.

To see how Social Software can positively influence and impact your learning environment, watch the following video: The Impact of Social Media on Learning http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grI_h88vs3g&feature=PlayList&p=3E43054A8703F57A&index=3 Retrieved January10, 2009.