This curated site of "scoops" contains 20+ posts related to connectivism and online learning. A brief synopsis is linked to the original source for each post. These original sources include blog posts, wikis, videos, and summaries of conference presentations- all related to connectivism.
This post discusses George Siemens 2005 article Connectivism: A Learning Theory for the Digital Age and examines the limitations of this theory as well as its relevance to teaching and knowledge management practices. The relationship of connectivism to learning in a MOOC is described. It is suggested that widespread adoption of connectivism in formal learning will face resistance because of its stance that 1) the network is more important than content 2) knowledge is a process rather than an artifact 3) and knowledge can be retrieved rather than memorized.
This detailed paper presents a model for creating a personal learning network based on an investigation using a literature review, semi-structure interviews and survey and includes an extensive reference list. Three stages of the networking process- building, maintaining and activating- are described and the nine factors influencing decisions in each of these areas are outlined. The authors schematically represent a personal professional networking model.
This wiki entry describes connectivism "a learning theory for a digital age" and links to resources created by George Siemens and Stephen Downes, promoters of this theory. It summarizes Siemen's Principles of Connectivism. Siemens suggests that learning is no longer individualistic. Rather, knowledge is distributed across networks and in a digital society the connections and connectiveness within these networks lead to learning.
This wiki created by the Department of Educational Psychology and Instructional Technology at the University of Georgia describes the theory of connectivism in great detail and relates it to recent technological advances. Connectivism is defined and the related components of chaos theory, importance of networks and interplay of complexity and self-organization are described. The wiki includes a great cartoon slide show called "Connectivism through '67" that helps build understanding of this concept. It also includes a chart comparing various other learning theories to connectivism.
This video recommends building a PLN so that you have a support network of colleagues giving you broad and deep access to a help no matter where you are. PLN's are two way streets- you can't just lurk, you also need to contribute and also offer help. PLN's can help you find answers, keep up with new developments in your field, publish and share, communicate, collaborate, and learn from colleagues. Specific social networking and technology tools are suggested to support each of these areas. A PLN is only as good as the people who participate in it!
In this article, four panelists who are leaders of successful of successful community of practice (COP) education initiatives share their knowledge and experience on this topic and suggest best practices for online communities of educators. They suggest there is no one definition for a community of practice, rather, there exists a continuum. The panelists discuss the 90-9-1 rule- 90% of participants in an online community lurk, 9% occasionally contribute, and 1% are "rock stars".
In this Web site Etienne Wenger introduces the concept of "communities of practice" and defines them as "groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly" and describes why they are useful for learning in many different contexts. A community of practice has 3 characteristics- 1) an identity defined by a shared domain of interest 2) a community of members that engage in joint activities and discussions, help each other, and share information and 3) members who are practitioners. These communities develop their practice through activities such as sharing information, problem solving, and mapping knowledge. Communities of practice are ubiquitous and can be small or large, local or global, meet face-to-face or online, informal or formal.