Connectivism is a learning theory where learning occurs through a series of networks. Strong and Hutchings (2009) believe that it attempts to capture and reflect the complexity of learning in a world of proliferating information. Learning can reside outside of us and is focused on a collection of information and the connection between those collections. The pictures I chose display several different ways to generate power. The pictures relate to the theory in that they are all methods of collecting power similar to the way learning is focused on a collection of information. The power is all connected on a grid that channels its way back to a person’s house. The collection of power, like knowledge, comes from and outside agency and is connected through a series of networks.
Personal Learning Networks are a group of people who share information for many reasons. The information is shared in person and more often on-line. They are great for professional development, collaborate, and share and find resources. Rajagopal, Joosten-ten Brinke, Van Bruggen, and Sloep (2012) feel that “the skills at the centre of networking involve an ability to identify and understand other people’s work in relation to one’s own, and to assess the value of the connection with these others for potential future work.” Personal learning networks are more often self-driven and allow for personal autonomy. The picture I chose is of a gamer. They really enjoy playing video games. They go on-line and seek information and share information. They do not do it because they have to but because they want to.
Communities of practice are a group of people who share a career or craft. Members of this group share information and experiences. These communities are often structured with rules and definite outcomes. Fred Nickols (2003) claims that there are three characteristics of a community of practice. These characteristics include practice (their work or a set of practices for doing that work), an identity (identities are developed at work) and a joint enterprise (a mission or objective shared by the community of practice members). The picture I chose is of ants working together. It looks as if there is one ant that is orchestrating work. The other ants are working together to get the job done.
References:
Nickols, F. (2003). Communities of practice: An overview. The Distance Consulting
Rajagopal, K., Joosten-ten Brinke, D., Van Bruggen, J., Sloep, P.: Understanding personal learning networks: Their structure, content and the networking skills needed to optimally use them. First Monday 17(1) (2012)
Strong, K.E. & Hutchins, H.M. (2009). Connectivism: A theory for learning in world of growing complexity. Impact: Journal of Applied Research in Workplace ELearning (1)1, 53-67
Chris Mason: EDTECH ePortfolio 