The new idea of connectivism as a learning theory that views learning as a process done through chaos, networks, and complexity and organization is very similar to what we've been learning about how knowledge is stored by being attached to previous knowledge and being organized in schemes. The idea of building a network of knowledge where links are strengthened as they are connected to different content makes me think of a spider and a spider web. We are seeing that networking isn't only seen between people (who you know, how they can help you get a job) and on the internet (computers connected to each other), but also within learning. How well concepts are learned depend on how well they are linked to previous knowledge. We must build on student's prior knowledge, interests, and expectations in order to create strong connections, a web of information if you will.
The ISTE Standards have many standards focussed on students creating. We have experienced how much learning actually occurs in the process of creating the product rather than the product itself. We have also seen how important it is to meet the students where they are by tapping into what they find interesting and fun. The question is, how do we take what they find interesting and have them create a project that facilitates learning and thus create and strengthen the knowledge network in their minds?
How strong is your spider silk?
Hi Lily,
ReplyDeleteI love how you connected what we learned today to other classes that we have had. If for sure has been similar to what we have learned about connected content to prior knowledge. I like your choice of the picture. That connects very well to what your blog post talks about.