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Connectivism Reflection

on August 3, 2021

According to Utecht and Keller (2019), considering yourself “educated” in today’s world does not mean you can simply memorize information or know a plethora of facts. Rather, it is an individual’s ability to learn, then unlearn, and relearn information and facts quickly enough to apply what you know to this ever-changing world and landscape (Utecht & Keller, 2019). My learning connections have changed the way I learn. With access to information, answers to my questions at my fingertips, and a range of social networks both in-person and online, I am able to make decisions faster. According to Orey (2010), part of the learning process is about making decisions. With so many avenues to turn to for answers, I am able to learn more quickly and make more decisions as a result. 

There are many digital tools that one can use in today’s world to facilitate learning. For me, the Internet and social media platforms are the two that bring me the fastest results. For example, if our vacuum breaks, I can use the internet, likely Youtube, to search and find a solution to my problem. Before my search, I would not know how to fix vacuums, but after my search, I am able to apply the new knowledge gained to my situation. 

When I have questions that require me to gain new knowledge, I have several avenues to find answers. One way is to use the Internet and conduct a search. A second way is to use social media. For example, if I have a question about something in my children’s school district, I can post it to Facebook and a social network of other parents or people in the community will reply with answers. Another way is to conduct research, particularly for graduate school. I can use the Walden Library and search a plethora of articles and digital books for answers. Finally, as a professional with a professional social network of colleagues and administrators, I can turn to them for advice or with my questions. This can be done in person, via email, or on Zoom. 

According to Siemens (2005), there are eight principles of connectivism, which support the ways in which I learn through connectivism. As previously mentioned, and noted by Siemens (2005), one principle refers to decision making and how it is part of the learning process. Another principle involves nurturing connections in social networks and maintaining them to make connections for continual learning (Siemens, 2005). Goldie (2016) shared that learning truly occurs when networks are traversed, constructed, and participation in activities within the  networks will strengthen learning connections. I feel I abide by this principle when I am meeting with other professionals and participating in professional development networks. In addition, if I am interested in learning something that is not necessarily related to my profession, I can traverse through personal social networks of people. Lastly, Siemens (2005) shared that a diversity of opinions contributes to learning. I feel when I find varying opinions online or within my personal social networks, I retain more information and gain new knowledge and perspective. Overall, all of the principles of connectivism represent how I learn in one way, shape or form. 

 

References

Goldie, J. G. S. (2016). Connectivism: A knowledge learning theory for the digital age? Medical Teacher, 38(10), 1064–1069. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.3109/0142159X.2016.1173661

Orey, M. (2010). Connectivism. Emerging Perspectives on Learning, Teaching, and Technology. http://textbookequity.org/Textbooks/Orey_Emergin_Perspectives_Learning.pdf

Siemens G. 2005. Connectivism: a learning theory for the digital age. Int J Instr Technol Dis Learn 2:1–8; [cited 2015 Aug]. Available from: http://www.itdl.org/Journal/Jan_05/article01.htm.

Utecht, J., & Keller, D. (2019). Becoming relevant again: Applying connectivism learning theory to today’s classrooms. Critical Questions in Education, 10(2), 107–119.


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