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.

In identifying the role of social networking in reference to connectivism the author identifies that among the entire population that uses the internet some 75% are are members of social networking sites. "The role of Web 2.0 technologies is to provide a network of people who connect to each other wherever and whenever they need information." states Tinmaz. Thus, when people are in need of information they have access to an abundance of resources. This had led to the passive acquisition of knowledge by students to trying to create an active and engaged student populous in constructing their own knowledge. Part of this is the connections students build through online social networks. These networks allow for students to follow the flow of information and stay current in the changing information on a day to day basis. One of the new concepts is called a "hub" which is a main center for information distribution. Those people or places who serve as hubs help disseminate information throughout to other students. These social networks allow for easy access and the streaming of information on a constant basis to all people involved. This connectivity to learning allows for all students and others to remain involved in connecting their learning.

"We do not always construct, but always connect". This line is the central philosophy in this article that argues about the importance of online educational and informational fields in the connection of information. One interesting piece that is identified is in reference to schools and connectivism. The author illustrates that simply putting technology into the hands of students to access the web will not produce learning. As many of us have talked about in the EdTech program, simply using e-learning does not produce learning. However, the theory of connectivism argues that it can strengthen information and learning while also producing areas for students to collaborate and learn later on.

In this article the author discusses the importance of connectivism that is dependent upon learning in a web 2.0 platform. As the influence of the web has spread so to has the importance the ability to share and distribute information to people all over the world. The premise of this article is that as costs continue to soar in education the connectivism platform offers an alternative way to disseminate learning. The web is now no longer a medium for learning, it is the platform and center for personal learning. One final point that is made is the importance in educating students how to use the available online resources to construct learning for future use because as online resources and CoP's continue to be the primary sources for information it is important to understand how to use and identify these resources for continued learning.

Here Nop & Hill talk about how as information is constantly changing, its validity and accuracy may change over time. In addition to this information is constantly being added, deleted, and modified based upon the world around us. By extension, one's understanding of a subject, one's ability to learn about the subject in question, will also change over time and this information can be adapted and morphed through online educational networks. "Connectivism stresses that two important skills that contribute to learning are the ability to seek out current information, and the ability to filter secondary and extraneous information." Simply put, "The capacity to know is more critical than what is actually known". People begin to know and learn through these online networks where information can be openly shared, resourced, vetted, and attained.

In this article Attwell begins to discuss the importance of continuing education within the professional field. Attwell highlights that as the learning environment is changing so too must the educational world in how people acquire knowledge. As we are all well aware that gaining an education online is very adaptable, so too must schools recognize the value in allowing educators to gain knowledge through PLN's. Attwell identifies that as PLN's continue to grow so to will the informal and formal acquisition of knowledge.

In this article Wegner continues to expand upon CoP's by defining their role in organizations and highlighting the success of organizations in using CoP's in coordination with social learning systems. Through this process organizations are able to meet a greater variety of needs for their employees. Wegner highlights how this process is the antithesis of normal "management styles" which is usually a top-down format. However, by working and associating in a variety of learning systems throughout regions or areas, people are more knowledgeable within their field.

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.

Wenger identifies CoP's as"groups of people who share a concern or passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly". Here it is indicated that three main things must be present to call it a CoP: the domain, the community, and the practice. One item that stood out to me is that a community is not by default a CoP. Rather, a CoP must not solely be a community of interest but a CoP is a community that is built on the acquisition of skills, knowledge, or practice within the community. CoP's can come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and domains. All are vested in the "bettering" of individuals.

Here Siemens introduces his reasoning and understanding to connectivism. One fascinating piece that he talks about is how the half-life of learning is shrinking as technology becomes a primary learning tool within people's lives. His premise is based around the idea that we "derive our competence from connections with others". So although we may not all get to experience everything personally, which has been seen as the best way to learn something, now through other people's shared experiences we too can learn at a much quicker rate.

This last year I got tasked with teaching Psychology for the first time. I was without any textbook or real resources to use, so I looked to the web and found a couple of great blogs that really helped me out. It showed to me the power of great teachers sharing amazing resources, lesson plans, and ideas with one another to generate the best learning outcomes for our students!