I noted that some of our co-learners have new insights into connectivism.
You are welcome to share them here.
For me, whether connectivism is a new learning theory is now of secondary importance. I don’t think it’s necessary to prove to anyone why it is a new learning theory, as this had already been done by George, Stephen and others on various occasions. And I think it is unwise to debate on the principles which are emergent, as have been said by George and Stephen, what is “correct” today may not be “correct” by tomorrow, due to changes in context, ecology and technology, and the chaotic and complexity nature of knowledge and learning.
And I think it’s equally not necessary to write another set of convincing papers to defend connectivism, because connectivism is about emergent knowledge, process and people’s thoughts.
If people still believe it, it’s their choice. If people don’t like it, it’s still their choice. So, if you like it, great to have a try! And see if it works
What’s most important I think
, is rather to
(a) practise and reflect (as a learner) and model and demonstrate (as a teacher) (as shared by Stephen), and then share our findings, observations and understanding, as a feedback to this theory and its application
(b) share our distributed knowledge and experience amongst participants (Stephen and George, and various bloggers, forum participants), and continue with this journey on network learning (as shared by George and Stephen throughout their presentations)
(c) try the skills at local level (Stephen), with pilots if you want to (views shared by various bloggers), and remember the butterfly effect (Stephen and George), everyone’s contribution throughout the network could make a big difference (everyone – networkers, lurkers, not only those in this course)
(d) connect, connect and connect, grow and develop the networks and ecology (at neural, conceptual and external – social levels) and find your ways – patterning, wayfinding and sensemaking (George, Stephen, and you)
Finally, this theory on connectivism is different from all other theories in that everyones’ voices and connections are welcome, because it is all emergent (what I think). Though I think there are still a lot of refinements needed – such as the pschological aspects, the social, economical and educational implications. Overall, I still think it’s a very useful theory to base on.
How about your ideas and views?
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