Week 1: Learning Styles and Intelligences 4/4

Engagement Activity 4: Reflection on Connectivism

Not finished....


The question here is whether connectivism is a pedagody, like behaviourism, congnitivism and constructivism, or a state of learning.

I see connectivism as falling into both categories. On one hand it is a framework for achieving the 3 padegodies just mentioned, and on the other hand it is itself a complete system for obtaining knowledge.
The outcome of connectivism is a learned skill, an experience and if it is correct that it is changing the brain of users, then it is an physiological change as well.

The difficulty comes in distinguishing learning

• packets of information that are recalled are  classed as knowledge
• demonstrating a physical task with skill is calssed as knowldege
• being able to access, evaluate and manipulate multiple sources and formats of information is also knowledge

Connectivism can be used as a platform for the first two examples and is also a skill that the person aquires. It combines the external and internal collection and creation of knowledge

Regardless of what you are learning

On at least some levels Siemens idea will be unsettling to academics as it challenges the institutional system that is education. It must be frightning to hear that everything you were taught and the way you are doing things needs to change. Not supprisingly many are waiting for the proof before jumping on board.

In conclusion and after a couple of days thought I think its a new state of learning, the 'art an science 'of modern learning. I guess that makes it a pedagogy then!


 
 

1. A number of authors contest Siemens' ideas. It is unsettling to be challenged about existing perceptions of "knowing", in particular, the lack of purpose in asking our students to KNOW and be able to RECALL what they know in assessment. Many academics contest these ideas because they are not yet supported by research, rather, they are a position about the nature of learning. They also contend that learning is a state within the individual, and therefore connectivism cannot be regarded as a theory of learning, rather a theory about how learning is best supported. 
   
2. Do you agree with them?Can you see Siemen's point of view? What is your position?
   
3. Give an example of ways in which you could use this theory in your classroom/learning context? Optional Blog posting - add your reflection to your blog.