Connectivism: Keep up.

So. What is Connectivism? Connectivism is the way in which we use and understand our ever evolving digital age. I'm a creature of habit so initially it seemed pretty overwhelming. All the technology, changes, updates, you name it! But, taking a step back, it's not as bad as it seems. Connectivism focuses on how specific technologies such as the internet contributes to eduction. It is meant to amplify or modify the way we teach. For example let's look at SAMR.

Looks cool right? THAT'S BECAUSE IT IS! Technology can be implemented within the classroom as a few different levels: Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, or Redefinition.After learning about SAMR, I felt a rush of excitement. I got to thinking how will I use technology in my class? How will I be able to hit some of the different level within SAMR when using technology? It's easy enough with Substitution, it's your basic (well not so basic but you know what I mean) SMART Board. I think they're great, but realistically the same message could be put across with a simple whiteboard or a projector on a screen. Augmentation and Modification however have a gray area I have yet to clearly see but during class the example Jeff gave was Google Maps. As for Modification, something along the lines of Google Docs would work as an example. We can think of Modification as how the task was changed? Redefinition is the ideal way to use technology, but it does take careful planning. We don't NEED to hit redefinition all the time but it would be a great to hit it as much as possible. The example that was used for Redefinition was video chatting. We have the access to the world why not use it within the classroom?


We've recently gotten some Standards for Technology in Washington State, yay! However, after reviewing the standards I think it's safe to say some schools are meeting those standards while others aren't. When I'm in the classroom I will try to incorporate as much of the Standards as I can to make my math world tie into those kiddos internet world. One call to action Jeff mentioned that I hope we as a cohort take, is teach our students how to be a Digital Citizen. Kiddos these days aren't told how they should be or create their digital footprint, it is our job to help them understand. This is something that won't come easy, but with practice and genuine interest is something I know I and others will accomplish.