Have you ever seen the message "Your computer is updating. Please do not shut down" ??? Even though this may be an annoying delay to your work or Facebook time, this is an important process as your computer stays "up to date." A learner does the same thing when he or she connects with others through social networks.
A learner is like a computer that updates itself when new programs are available - how does this analogy explain today's learner? The learner is the computer that updates its programs when new ones are available. As a learner connected through social networks such as Facebook or Blogger updates his or her knowledge of specific topics, so does the computer when it adds new programs of transforms old ones to "continue to stay current." A learner may read additional blogs about a topic, such as educational theory, to learn multiple perspectives. The learner is connecting with others to stay updated on current information.
Siemens writes, "As knowledge continues to grow and evolve, access to what is needed is more important than what the learner currently possesses." The key to today's digital age is that learners know how to access information to add to or transform their own knowledge. According to Siemens, "When knowledge... is needed, but not known, the ability to plug into sources to meet the requirements becomes a vital skill."
"Connectivism provides insight into learning skills and tasks needed for learners to flourish in a digital era." -George Siemens
Read this article by George Siemens to learn more about Connectivism.
Watch these You Tube clips about Connectivism to learn more:
The Impact of Social Media on Learners
The Network is the Learning
A learner is like a computer that updates itself when new programs are available - how does this analogy explain today's learner? The learner is the computer that updates its programs when new ones are available. As a learner connected through social networks such as Facebook or Blogger updates his or her knowledge of specific topics, so does the computer when it adds new programs of transforms old ones to "continue to stay current." A learner may read additional blogs about a topic, such as educational theory, to learn multiple perspectives. The learner is connecting with others to stay updated on current information.
Siemens writes, "As knowledge continues to grow and evolve, access to what is needed is more important than what the learner currently possesses." The key to today's digital age is that learners know how to access information to add to or transform their own knowledge. According to Siemens, "When knowledge... is needed, but not known, the ability to plug into sources to meet the requirements becomes a vital skill."
"Connectivism provides insight into learning skills and tasks needed for learners to flourish in a digital era." -George Siemens
Read this article by George Siemens to learn more about Connectivism.
Watch these You Tube clips about Connectivism to learn more:
The Impact of Social Media on Learners
The Network is the Learning
Anne,
ReplyDeleteYour analogy comparing a learner to a computer works well.
Dr. Burgos