After reading your post, I have mixed feelings. First, I am glad that you recovered from your bronchitis and feeling of powerlessness. And I greatly appreciate your openness in sharing how you think about connectivism, in that it is not entirely new, but one that is Christened.
On the other hand, you have pointed out one the most important elements that may be missing from connectivism – the human element and emotions arising out of the connection, especially in this CCK08 course. And you are disappointed with the lack of concerns from the group and teachers. Also, you think you are in a network and your feelings won’t be cared by others.
Let me share this with you and Ken: when I first read about Sia’s blog on her feeling of loneliness, my first reaction was not to extend my emotional rescue as a co-learner. Why? I think it is part of anyone on this “connectivism” journey, and may be how one could develop into a “co-operative, collaborative and independent” learner through such experience. I remember when I first set up my web pages some 8 years ago, with those Google and other first generation web development tools.. no one was interested in my website. Even when I set up my blog 2 years ago, no one visited mine. Why? Because blogging could be a lonesome journey, and so is an on-line course, with so many participants. And it’s very difficult to identify the “group” and yourself in the “group” or “network”
But at the end, if you think you have learned something that you have conceptualised in your goals, you have already succeeded in achieving your goals. It is not because of any theories, not because of any “constructive criticism” or “praises” by others, though some of them may be helpful in your learning, but because of your enthusiasm and passion towards learning. That intrinsic motivation which sparks the learning, that keeps the learning on fire, and that shines.
So, congratulation as you have already found your way. Assessment marks to me has little significance, so whether it is A or A+ or a C- in any test, assignment does not make any difference, though one could say it’s reflective of understanding and performance. What makes a difference is one’s attitude towards learning and education. People can be trained on skills, but you can’t educate people on attitudes, because it’s learned.
I also share your view on the efforts that George and Stephen have made in planning and facilitating the program. They did it with their passion, but obviously might not be appreciated as much. To this end, I hope this experiment could be a success to them and us, as that was the reason why we are here.
And I enjoy reading your inspiring post.
Learner Weblog 