These connections facilitate learning through communication. Learning is also facilitated through knowing how to both access and use these forms of communication. Knowledge is gained with the practice of using the different applications in multiple situations. For instance, I am able to learn what my children need for their studies and their games, through email, websites and phone conversations with their teachers and coaches. I am able to learn how to budget, and plan for fun activities for my family, through email, websites and phone conversations. I can learn about what is going on in my classes at Walden through email, the website, and phone conversations as well. Other media applications also facilitate learning. Facebook provides information to and from friends and family. It also does this for students of Walden and for members of other organizations that I belong to. I am not limited to where I need to go to seek information regarding anything in my network. The more variety of avenues, the easier it is for me to learn what is going on.
It has allowed me to be current. "Currency (accurate, up-to-date knowledge) is the intent of all connectivist learning activities. (Siemens, 2006, p. 31) What has changed for me is now I try different applications to learn how to do something. For example, I have always directly created blogs on blogger.com. I am now using Word 2007 to create blogs that can be directly sent to blogger. Another example is note taking. I have always used a notebook and pen. I use OneNote. OneNote is an electronic notebook application also found in Windows 2007. Now that I have discovered so many faster and more efficient ways of learning through technology, I am now open to looking into more and more areas and not simply believing that one particular one is correct.
When I have questions, I do a Google search, or I go to my classmate and professors by email, phone calls or Skype to find the answers. Like Siemens states, (2006 p. 33)," We forage for knowledge-we keep looking until we find people tools, content, and processes that assist us in solving problems."
References:
(2010). Retrieved February 2, 2010, from Getting Started with Microsoft Office OneNote 2007: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/onenote/HA100325211033.aspx
Siemens, G. (2004). Connectivism: A learning theory for the digital age. Retrieved fromhttp://elearnspace.org/Articles/connectivism.htm
Siemens, G. (2006). Knowing Knowledge. George Siemens.
It seems the more we integrate technology into our daily lives, the more we are willing to try new innovations. As technology is constantly changing, it is a challenge to keep up. Transferring the innovations we use in everyday into the classroom can be a challenge. Approaching new technologies with an open mind makes it so much easier to learn.
ReplyDeleteRegina,
ReplyDeleteI found this activity interesting. To see all the ways we connect with others is fascinating. I have found the more ways we can connect the harder it is juggle everything. The various new technologies have transformed our lives. My parents do not text or have a computer. I feel like I've gone back in time when I visit them. I can't believe how dependent we have become on technology.