Connectivism is all about how we as teachers can educate students using strategies focused around their connective learning beyond mere behaviors or cognition; it extends to a place of experience. Technology has created within our society, the unique opportunity to reach beyond previous limitations to education. Students can now communicate to individuals around the world on a nearly endless number of topics. Additionally, technology can be used to supplement individual growth and learning by offering unique strategies for many subjects, as well as perspectives. Technology is changing the way that we think about everything in today's society; even our brains have altered structure and process as we become more and more exposed to technological advances and every-day reliances. Student's are able to connect with ideas through the interactive and engaging use of technology. Connectivism allows meaningful connections to be made with subject material and topics in ways that supplement the individuals learning in a fantastic and unique way. I remember in grade school, "outside sources" meant extra books; with today's technology, an outside source can easily be a historical narrative clip, an interview with a specialist from the place of origin, or a variety of other amazing sources. New technology and information have opened the world to a bevy of new wonders and as educators, we should help spread that amazing connector.
Here is a video that I found about Connectivism. I find it very helpful annnnnnd it's a great link to represent how we can use technology to improve our understandings: https://youtu.be/cFCYjm6nf40
Lexi,
ReplyDeleteYou summarized connectivism well. During this class I was also recalling my grade school experience and thinking about how far we have come connecting students to their learning experiences. In class we also talked about all the different modalities of connectivism such as makerspaces, wearable technology, and 3D printing. If any of these were available when I was in school, it would have made my experience with my education so much brighter! Also, thanks for posting the video. Visuals are always helpful!
The connectivism theory is what Coursera and Udacity are built on...along with a host of others. But those two free college credit sites are the most popular that use this approach to learning.
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