Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Knowledge: is it how much we know?

No!  It's where to find it.  There is so much information in the world and when we realize how quickly it becomes obsolete, it reinforces the need for connectivism in our classrooms.  There is no possible way for us to learn everything, nor is there any need to do so.  It is possible, however, to learn where to find the information and from whatever perspective you would like.  Those differing opinions and perspectives deepen our understanding making learning more meaningful and our kids aren't learning for the sake of passing a test.  They will actually remember this stuff!  With the information at our fingertips, technology in the classroom is more important than ever. 

According to Siemens, connectivism is driven by the understanding that decisions are based on rapidly altering foundations and that we are continuously acquiring new information.  What used to be acquired by reading an ancient textbook with out of date information, is now available quicker, cheaper, more accurately and from different perspectives enabling our students to learn via technology.  Lessons are more engaging, students develop a love for stimulating learning and these skills will carry over well past their school days and throughout the 21st Century.  Technology is changing how our brains think.  In order to stay competitive in the global world we absolutely need change how students acquire knowledge.  Otherwise, we are going to be left in the dust.

2 comments:

  1. Patty,

    Your intro really got me thinking about the types of learning: just in case and just in time. There's no need to try to learn everything about ever subject in case one day we need it, it would be impossible! However, learning how to use to the tools to help us with our just in time learning has been the direction we've been moving in, why bring these skills and background knowledge into the classroom?

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  2. Patty, I love your little nuggets and positive mindset on no longer rote memorization!
    This had me thinking back to how we used to have to remember everything when we lived in an oral society, then the written language and word revolutionized our brain and while we still need to use our brains today we are finally moving to a more applicable mode of thinking. Not memorizing and remembering everything about where you buried your nuts but knowing how to use your tools to locate your nuts come spring.

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