Connectivism, the course. A review. (#CCK12)

Connectivism as espoused by Siemens and Downes is a theory of learning, and I quote Siemens (2005): "Learning is a process that occurs within nebulous environments of shifting core elements – not entirely under the control of the individual. Learning (defined as actionable knowledge) can reside outside of ourselves (within an organization or a database), is focused on connecting specialized information sets, and the connections that enable us to learn more are more important than our current state of knowing." 


Although I agree that the internet has become the source of learning materials and tools, and that its rapid ability to evolve has caused the nebulosity of the environment. I disagree with the venue for the learning. I do not agree that actionable knowledge can reside outside of the living organism as of yet. I believe that connectivism and learning to navigate the internet and the connections and the networks, is a skill necessary for learning. But it does not adequately explain how we learn. But does this diminish the importance of connectivism? I say, not at all. 


Content and Delivery


Throughout the course, there were various aspects of the idea (or for the purposes of this review, the "theory") that were presented. Discussed were the theory and its boundaries, networks, pedagogical systems and its impact on teaching, learning environments, openness, etc (Connectivism, on Wikispaces, 2012). As a course, it has successfully mapped the most significant components of an idea that is difficult to grasp. 


The delivery of the course is unique and challenging, and should I say, probably not for the uninitiated. It is sophisticated as it requires familiarity with many traditional e-learning tools as well as the unusual ones. LMS is seldom used, while wikispaces is the repository of information. Discussion in the class happens in elluminate, while contributions are in the form of blogs and diigo, informal grouping is through google groups. Homeworks consists of an essay, a virtual mind map and  an out-of-the-box presentation. 

my Pecha Kucha for Connectivism

My final project is a PechaKucha (20slides/20 second per slide system) that reviews some of the salient features of the course but I have yet to find way to upload it as a flash. But it is found in this Media Fire site: 


http://www.mediafire.com/?slyb5zpebzvmsal


Hope you get to take time out to play this.












References:




Simens G. Connectivism: A Learning Theory for the Digital Age. 2005. as viewed at http://www.itdl.org/journal/jan_05/article01.htm on 15 April 2012


Downes S, Siemens G. Connectivism on Wikispaces. 2012. as viewed at http://connectivism12.wikispaces.com/ on 15 April 2012.