Week #5 - Reflections - Connectivism

Jason Wells
EDUC-6115-3, Learning Theories & Instruction
Dr. Artino
November 30, 2013
Week #5 - Reflections - Connectivism

 

In considering the theory of connectivism, I have found that my network has drastically changed the ways in which I learn.  As it stands today, my network includes inputs from the Walden University online course resources and the course blackboard discussion forums.  Outside of academia, my network includes instructional design blogs and discussion forums hosted by the American Society for Training & Development and Linkedin.com.  Prior to the advent of social media networks, my network was primarily centered on academic settings with most of the inputs from scholarly materials and the outputs limited to course assignments.

Digital tools have revolutionized my learning experiences.  If I were to select those that best facilitate my learning, I would have to say that it would be discussion forums and videos.  Videos seem to bring otherwise bland content to life and offer alternative perspectives or viewpoints.  Discussion forums are my absolute favorite.  Whether they are in an online course or in the form of a blog, discussion forums afford me the opportunity to be immersed in a community of thoughts and perspectives on various ideas.  Perhaps the best aspect of these forums is that they offer an opportunity to interact with other users in a multidirectional communication flow.

In terms of gaining new knowledge when I have questions, I find that I first consult a reputable online resource.  If my question requires more depth to the answer, I will consult a scholarly or professional resource that serves as the authority on the topic.  In some cases, my question is general in nature and I will simply consult friends and/or colleagues using social networks such as Facebook or LinkedIn. 

I would say that my personal learning network supports the central tenets of connectivism in several ways.  First, the discussion forums and blogs are in alignment with having a diversity of opinions.  Additionally, the technology tools such as video, etc. facilitate and illuminate my learning experiences.  Finally, nurturing and maintaining these connections through continual participation in these learning communities advances my learning.