I’ve found reading about the Connectivism theory interesting, as it’s helped me to see how Connnectivism places technology as one of the components of learning, an essential cog in the learning machine.
From my experience, trying to learn without using technology and connections/networks in the modern world would be very difficult. In today’s world, being able to see how things connect and relate to each other is just as important as knowing how something works or is used. Learning is no longer done in isolation, but as part of a wider collective of people, whether that’s in the classroom using collaborative software to allow students to work on a task together, or a uni student completing a subject online, with no face-to-face contact. In each situation, technology forms part of the learning process and is no longer just a tool used to access information, it’s now embedded in the learning process, helping you to find new information and ideas, manipulate this information and form new understandings, which can then be transmitted globally for anyone else to critique, use, manipulate and build upon.
Connectivism is a modern learning theory, that encompasses 21st century learning practices, tools and networks. Connectivism is about making connections between yourself and others, as well as between what you know and what you’re learning about. Technology is the key, as it allows us to form connections not previously possible such as inter-country relationships, as well as sending and retrieving information instantly. With technological inventions such as Google and Wikipedia, it’s now possible for anyone in the world to lookup information on just about anything they want. No longer is this information only accessible in books or printed journals, with these connections, anyone is able to further their own learning, understanding and contribute to the global knowledge database. As a teacher our role now has a focus on using these technological tools to help our students find the information they’re after, we’re no longer the keeper of the keys to the information kingdom.
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