Connectivism
“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.” (Siemens, 2004)
Social media facilitates the connection between learners and this wealth of information. Countryman (2016) describes how Connectivism is applied to Twitter: |
https://www.totalteam.co.nz/packages/totalteam/website/img/3T/Connectivity.png
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Because of our rapidly changing society and the increase in technology, there are new methods of constructing and gaining knowledge in a learning context. Learners learn through collaboration and interaction with vast databases of knowledge; this is only possible through the introduction of online technologies.
Twitter may be the most applicable tool to demonstrate Connectivism. Learners and instructors can connect to new information from their fingertips. They can follow a thread of ideas through hashtags, or follow subject matter experts in an area they wish to learn more about. This can lead to an increase cognitive development in learners, and may help learner’s master skills at a quicker pace. Twitter can be used to connect to resources for activities during lectures, assignments, and research papers. However, learners need to be cognisant of what information they are connecting to and the validity of that information. As learners continue to use Twitter as a learning tool, they in turn will learn how to use it effectively. |
George Siemens: Changing Schools, Changing Knowledge
(The Agenda with Steve Paikin, 2013)
(The Agenda with Steve Paikin, 2013)
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