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This particular document looks at the communities of practice model from the lens of a government agency in its' partnership with businesses, foundations, non-profits, and other organizations. The document's value comes to life in the fact that it focuses on how the communities of practice implemented are more of a valid method for productivity because a shared interest is involved and the experiences are shared. First time viewers of this document would benefit from the diagram on page 8 that explores the distinct features of the community, domain and practice which lead to a successful community of practice. The diagram is an excellent means of introducing the model to new participants or those already engaged in a community of practice, but simply unaware of their involvement. I also appreciate this document because it offers practicality and context in viewing how multiple entities can come together to form a community of practice united by a common purpose.

I found this article interesting because it talked about the value of using CoP's in management, in particular government. It details the changing age of technology in meeting the demands and needs of communities and organizations around the world. As needs and wants begin to move, so do the challenges that are provided to government. In this regard it talks about utilizing the value on online communities to help create a network of highly skilled people to meet these new demands. By engaging people in this kind of networking through social media people are able to better handle new situations by connecting with people who have experienced similar problems in the past.

A critical review of George Siemen's (2005) article "Connectivism: A Learning Theory for the Digital Age". A distinct relationship is made with Personal Learning Networks (PLNs) and connectivism: The individual, and his/her abilities to create a personal learning network, is the "starting point of connectivism" (Siemens, 2005, p. 6). A great summation of the original article.

I thoroughly enjoyed this article! To some degree I have always associated Common Core with connectivism because I am seeing the ways in which Common Core is pushing students to be critical, analytical thinkers able to justify their responses. It isn't so much memorizing content as much as it is learning skills to apply to different terrains of knowledge which is similar to part of Siemen's definition that connectivism involves "determining when and what knowledge should be retired and replaced with updated knowledge." This statement prompted an "ah-ha" moment within my head as I was able to begin connecting some dots between connectivism and the practical aspects of my own teaching practice.

Is connectivism limted to Western and technologically advanced cultures? Learning theories such as behaviorism, constructivism and even cognitive and socioclultural theories can be applied to learning in various cultures. It seems that connectivsm requires a certain amount of freedom and access to technology. If this is the case, can it be considered a learning theory?

Article discusses the relevancy and power of social media, breaks down myths, offers concrete examples, and points out its connection to standards.

12 ways teachers are using social media in the classroom

An overview, including a quiz, about the relevance of social media in the classroom. Also delves into the myths of social media and links to resources about how to integrate social media into classroom activities.

Koper and Rusman begin to identify how learning networks can transition into life long learning networks in the future. The authors begin to argue that the generalized dissemination of information is not created in a manner that allows for knowledge or deep connections to be made because information is illogically distributed in a way that does not promote or use identified learning methods. Although information is now highly accessible, the information is not delivered to people in a manner that will develop learning in people. Thus, the authors highlight the need for specific methods of distribution that are built upon learning methods. As we have seen in higher education, online learning is provided in a manner that is in line with identified learning methods, however beyond that the manner in which information is given varies. This is especially true for people on their own not in an educational setting. The following are some of the key ideas needed for learning networks to engage in lifelong learning in the future: open access resources, improved effectiveness, customability, improved efficiency, and improved organization using proven educational methods. Utilizing these key ideas will allow for learning networks to be viable outlets for learning in the future.

This site outlines the three-pronged approach of the connected learning communities model, which includes professional learning communities, personal learning networks, and communities of practice.

This Wired article was about how Education 3.0 can be most effectively leveraged if educators have a good understanding on how the brain learns. Keeping in mind what learners care about, giving them the ability to place their learning in context, and allowing students to identify patterns of knowledge (think making connections in neural pathways) all can expand upon the the experience of learners in a course.

This article looks at connectivism as "the embodiment of social learning theory in the digital age." It breaks down questions posed by Seimens in terms of how technology and networks connect with learning theories as well as how these translate into the principles of his theory. The values of connectivism as presented by Downes are also highlighted. Specifically it offered a good rationale for why behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism have limitations in the digital age which give rise to the need for researching connectivism.

This article provides a succinct overview of connectivism. I particularly like how the author concludes with the point that all social learning starts with the individual and then branches out from there to networks and organizations before returning new knowledge to the individual.

Melodie, thank you for sharing this resource. I appreciate the article as it defines connectivism. Yet the authors are careful to point out that the theory is still developing and needs more research. It is healthy to learn that while the digital age is new so are those researching and exploring the informal learning groups that surround it theories. I appreciate the concise explanations and bulleted lists as well.

In this article, Torrey Trust gives an overview of personal learning networks (PLN) and discusses their relevance in education. She identifies two different types of PLNs, information aggregation and social media, as well as their benefits. Many of the tools available for PLNs as well as examples for how teachers can use these tools are also examined. Additionally, three popular online PLNs, including Classroom 2.0, The Educator's PLN, and Edmodo are reviewed.

This is a great article that summarizes key features of PLNs in education. I particularly appreciated the section that discussed motivation regarding teacher participation in PLNs. The collective knowledge and the safe space in which teachers can share ideas and resources with one another seemed to be a powerful motivator for educators when it comes to participation.

This article clearly has a clear connection to teacher practice. The focus on teacher lifelong learning, essential to enhancing learning in schools, is critical. PLNs give teachers a place to break out of the isolation of classrooms so they can reach out to other educators with new knowledge and support so they can meet any challenges that may arise.

This GoogleDoc by George Siemens provides a great visual to help describe the differences between connectivism and other learning theories (behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism). He created a table listing different properties and then briefly lists how each theory explains those properties. He then lists several characteristics that are distinct about connectivism.

First of all I wanted to point out how much I love that in the digital age we are so connected to each other that a Google Doc put out by Siemens can be shared with the world. Information is so readily available. This table definitely speaks to my style of learning, it is easy to view and compare the different learning theories that he breaks down. You can read multiple paragraphs about each, but to see it in a chart clarifies it all.

The resource linked here is a page to the first lesson of a MOOC on connectivism and connective knowledge. This page features several resources on connectivism, many f which are from Siemens and Downes themselves.

This article is fairly specific.  It helped understand the difference between a CoP and a PLN.  Primarily it talks about what learning is and how a PLN can help and how learning can come in a PLN.  It elaborates that a PLN is something that we have.  It is our connections that we make and, while not explicit, it emphasizes that we feel ownership in the PLN.

PLNs are a necessity. Even when we are learning in a formal situation, we take the information and go to apply it in our jobs. However, we typically do not have access to the original resources for information. This is where the PLN comes in. In many cases we may not know some or all of the members personally, but they are still a very valuable resource!

This article addresses setting up a PLN in the corporate workplace. When reading this article it reinforced the need to expose students during their formative years to this type of collaboration.

This slide show outlines and describes the shift from virtual learning environments to personal learning environments. It includes multiple infographics that contribute to understanding.

It was interesting to look through this slideshow Courtney. I work as an online high school teacher and most of my job is done through an LMS. Learning about these PLNs though has me looking for ways to make sure my students are making connections.

Huwe, T. K. (2006). Breaking into Communities of Practice. Computers In Libraries, 26(5), 22-25. In order to increase information literacy, relationship building is key. Online classes can be an example of a community of practice since there are discussion boards and ways for students to connect together.

This is a very visual comparison between a PLN of a Traditional Networked Teacher and a PLN of Web 2.0 Connected Teacher. It is very dynamic. The author also provides links to website that will help you starting and maintaining a PLN.

I wanted to know more about the difference between a personal learning network and a personal learning environment. This article does a great job of breaking down the differences even though they obviously work hand in hand.

What I love about this source is the section that discusses why PLEs are significant - I love how it talks about how it is student-driven. It is up to the learner to be in charge of their own learning path and provides authentic learning opportunities. With the creation of 2.0 tools, educators are able to differentiate to different learners with the creations of these tools and pairing students that are in the same skill-set or have similar interests for them to learn information and assist in making connections.

I like this source and how it explains PLEs, why they are important, who they are for, and even the downsides to them. It makes it an easy read and easy to find the information you are looking for. I also like how it includes a case study to align with the information that is given.

This article compares the theories of connectivism with chaos. That since we are now using mobile tools there are implications for what this means for chaos theory. Teachers need to provide opportunities for students to use tech to find connections to their learning.

Twitter chats are absolutely the best way to connect with educators on Twitter, and there are Twitter chats for every conceivable subject or location. But how do you know where to look? Just check this handy list...