After reading, Siemens, article on Connectivism: A Learning Theory for the Digital Age. International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning,
I come to this opinion that today’s learner is like one branch of a tree. Like the tree branches are connected to each other, today’s learner is also connected to other individuals through technology which works like the tree trunk. As, Siemens, in his article says, “Nurturing and maintaining connections is needed to facilitate continual learning”, the tree trunk, provides the food and water to all its branches for their growth , in the same way, technology like computer, internet, blogs, IPods, mobile etc. has connected all the learners together and provides us with instant information for our healthy growth.
I come to this opinion that today’s learner is like one branch of a tree. Like the tree branches are connected to each other, today’s learner is also connected to other individuals through technology which works like the tree trunk. As, Siemens, in his article says, “Nurturing and maintaining connections is needed to facilitate continual learning”, the tree trunk, provides the food and water to all its branches for their growth , in the same way, technology like computer, internet, blogs, IPods, mobile etc. has connected all the learners together and provides us with instant information for our healthy growth.
“Learning and knowledge rests in diversity of opinions”, (Siemens, G. 2005, January) Technology provides us the platform where we share our opinions, learning, experiences etc. in other words collaborate and communicate and through this sharing more learning takes place. The best thing about technology is that this learning is rapid, and instant, like Siemens says in his video on Networking Is learning, no matter wherever we are and whatever subject or field we want to get knowledge about, we get the current and quick information through technology.
This learning process is continual.And the tree which represents society in this analogy grows as the result of all the learning in this process, and it goes on and on.
Here I would also like to state that many people blame technology for bringing distances between human beings and state that people do not have time for each other as they sit in front of computer all the time. But honestly, I think the correct use of technology has brought us closer, e.g. we can talk and see our loved ones through computers, can email them, send the cards to express our love for them etc.
Here I would also like to state that many people blame technology for bringing distances between human beings and state that people do not have time for each other as they sit in front of computer all the time. But honestly, I think the correct use of technology has brought us closer, e.g. we can talk and see our loved ones through computers, can email them, send the cards to express our love for them etc.
References:
1.Siemens, G. (2005, January). Connectivism: A Learning Theory for the Digital Age. International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning,
2. The Changing Nature of Knowledge http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMcTHndpzYg&feature=PlayList&p=3E43054A8703F57A&index=0 Retrieved January 10, 2009.
3. The Conflict of Learning Theories with Human Nature
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTgWt4Uzr54&feature=PlayList&p=3E43054A8703F57A&index=2 Retrieved January 10, 2009.
4. The Network is the Learning
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpbkdeyFxZw&feature=PlayList&p=3E43054A8703F57A&index=4 Retrieved January 10, 2009.
1.Siemens, G. (2005, January). Connectivism: A Learning Theory for the Digital Age. International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning,
2. The Changing Nature of Knowledge http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMcTHndpzYg&feature=PlayList&p=3E43054A8703F57A&index=0 Retrieved January 10, 2009.
3. The Conflict of Learning Theories with Human Nature
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTgWt4Uzr54&feature=PlayList&p=3E43054A8703F57A&index=2 Retrieved January 10, 2009.
4. The Network is the Learning
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpbkdeyFxZw&feature=PlayList&p=3E43054A8703F57A&index=4 Retrieved January 10, 2009.
Great analogy, you're so right. Learning is like a tree as long as it has a nice stable trunk growth can be endless. I must admit I'm still a bit intimidated by technology but I'm feeling more confident with every key stroke.
ReplyDeleteSaima,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that you chose the quote, "Learning and knowledge rests in diversity of opinions”. I recently read about social studies teacher in the US who had his students study bias in the media. One activity he has them do was to compare coverage of the Gaza conflict by US media and Al Jazeera. It is so important for all our future world citizens to learn to search for and reflect on different opinions on issues in order to form their own and be open to the fact that as they learn more, their opinions may evolve.
Dr. Burgos
Saima,
ReplyDeleteI love your analogy a lot!It's so vivid!A learner is just like a branch of a tree. All the learners compose a network through flowing of water and nutrition (information and technology). Wonderful analogy.
I also agree with you that technology indeed bring us closer. When I was in U.S., I talked to my mom twice a week and we could see each other throught webcamera.
Nice analogy. It makes me think of all of us as branches in a giant forest throughout the world. As knowledge passes through the various branches we take it in like water and sun. I love it. I like your quote about diversity and opinion. I think that it reflects what we should all be doing and that is to respect that people come from a variety of cultures and traditions and their opinions may not be the same as ours. This diversity provides all of us with a wealth of knowledge.
ReplyDeleteGreat analogy! The stability of a tree trunk, but the ever changing branches is a great image and easy to understand analogy!
ReplyDelete