Connectivism: Module 4

According to Connectivism theorists, people gain knowledge through the networks they create (Siemens, 2004).  According to Friedman (2005), the world has become flat.  We can reach more people and collaborate on a broader scale than ever before. 

As I created my mind map, I realized that my networks have changed the way I learn.  When I was in secondary school and college, my networks were limited to personal connections with my peers and the library.  Now, I hardly ever obtain information from the library.  The library is the last resort.  I first contact my peers, and then I search the internet.  I gain information from blogs or social networks I frequent.  The internet has allowed me to obtain information from different sources. 

References

Friedman, T. (2005). It’s a flat world, after all. New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1378440/posts.

Siemens, G. (2004). Connectivism: A learning theory for the digital age.  Retrieved from http://elearnspace.org/Articles/connectivism.htm. 

Rheingold (2008) states that humans have a basic instinct to work together to complete a common goal.  He believed if our ancestors were as competitive as many believed than how does the need to collaborate exist at all (2008).  I believe that humans do want to interact and work together.  Even though I am not one who easily engages with those around me, I will seek out my peers when I need advice or help completing a project.  Over the years, I have realized there advantages of working with others.  It seems there are many companies that have come to this realization as well (Rheingold, 2008).  There are many companies that are beginning to realize that open source can help their companies in the long run (2008).  These companies have found that some sharing is in their best interest (2008). 

There are many technologies available today that lend themselves to collaboration.  Virtual worlds can create an atmosphere where people can come together and work on a common problem.  Wikis and blogs are another avenue people can use to work together.  Social media provides a forum for people to come together to share ideas.

Collaboration is proving it is an effective tool for learning.  Edutopia discusses one research study that showed how collaboration has given a set of students the skills necessary to find success in the world around them.  Collaboration has provided a way for teachers to gain students’ attention and strengthen their understanding (Vega & Terada, 2012).

References

Rheingold, H. (2008, February). Howard Rheingold on collaboration [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.ted.com/talks/howard_rheingold_on_collaboration.html.

Vega, V. & Terada, Y. (2012, December). Research supports collaborative learning.  Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/stw-collaborative-learning-research.