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Connectivism and Blogging - Digital Innovation and Knowledge Networks - 0 views

  • Siemens (2005) argues that knowledge exists outside of the learner in technologies that store and organize information.
  • learner makes connections between concepts, opinions and perspectives accessed through their personal learning network, knowledge emerges and learning occurs
  • A personal learning network comprises connections between nodes which are information sources stored in a variety of formats, including individuals, groups, communities, ideas, systems and resources
    • nstringham
       
      PLN definition
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  • In connectivism, exploring, discovering and aggregating existing knowledge is more important that inventing new knowledge
  • The learner needs to filter and validate the knowledge by considering the connections through which it was transmitted
    • nstringham
       
      This is a major aspect of online learning that I have noticed many of my students lack: validating the source of the information. They have a tendency to take all information at face value without questioning the source.
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    This blog summarizes why Siemens felt the need for a new learning theory and what connectivism consists of. I like how this post highlights that today there should be more of a focus on finding and putting together existing knowledge in new ways, rather than trying to find or invent new knowledge.
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Learning Networks in Practice - 8 views

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    This article by Stephen Downes provides a great insight into what an effective PLN looks like and how it functions. I enjoyed reading about his second stage of PLNs, which is the "personal learning environment." This idea is presented as the evolution of PLNs due to technology and connectivism in the classroom.
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    Wow, there was a lot of good content in this article. One of my biggest take aways from the article is the great misapplication of online communities. The misapplication lies in the idea that a community follows an online course, like what we are doing right now in 543. The discussion community is created at the beginning of the course and members are active participants, during the course. Once the course ends, the community ends as well. This is not what the online community is intended to do. It is a long-term development of resources that needs to continue on.
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    This reminded me a lot of an article I shared for this assignment that also discussed the need for currently used LMS-based systems to move toward encompassing PLNs and Web 2.0 tools to up their social networking components. I think this is definitely an important consideration, especially for educators working in an online environment.
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    This article by Stephen Downes gives a definition of a community of practice and then discusses PLE's moving into networks and the characteristics of a learning network: diversity, autonomy connectedness and openness.
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    As I was relatively unfamiliar with learning networks before this course, I wanted to find resources that showed me what they looked like and examples of how they can be used. This article introduces the importance of using digital tools effectively and empower ourselves to gain the knowledge the web offers. The author states that "Learning therefore evolves from being a transfer of content and knowledge to the production of content and knowledge". Working in a network, PLE or communities of practice allow learners to be creative about information and knowledge, instead of just consuming information and knowledge. The article highlights the key benefits of a PLN: diversity, autonomy, connectedness, and openness.
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Social Networking as a Tool for Student and Teacher Learning - 0 views

  • Online social networking includes much more than Facebook and Twitter. It is any online use of technology to connect people, enable them to collaborate with each other, and form virtual communities, says the Young Adult Library Services Association
  • Survey research confirms, however, that interest in harnessing social networking for educational purposes is high. As reported in School Principals and Social Networking in Education: Practices, Policies and Realities in 2010, a national survey of 1,200 principals, teachers and librarians found that most agreed that social networking sites can help educators share information and resources, create professional learning communities and improve schoolwide communications with students and staff. Those who had used social networks were more positive about potential benefits than those who had not. In an online discussion with 12 of the principals surveyed, most said, “social networking and online collaboration tools would make a substantive change in students’ educational experience.” They said these tools could improve student motivation and engagement, help students develop a more social/collaborative view of learning and create a connection to real-life learning.
  • Among students surveyed in a National School Boards Association study, 96 percent of those with online access reported using social networking, and half said they use it to discuss schoolwork. Despite this prevalence in everyday life, schools have been hesitant to adopt social networking as an education tool. A 2010 study into principals’ attitudes found that “schools are one of the last holdouts,” with many banning the most popular social networking sites for students and sometimes for staff.
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  • Most national, state and local policies have not yet addressed social networking specifically; by default, it often falls under existing acceptable use policies (AUPs). While AUPs usually provide clear language on obscenities, profanity and objectionable activities, they also leave out gray areas that could open students to harmful activities while excluding them from certain benefits of social networking. Likewise, boilerplate policies that ban specific applications, such as Twitter, may miss other potential threats while also limiting the ability of students to collaborate across schools, districts, states or countries. The challenge for districts is to write policies that address potentially harmful interactions without eliminating the technology’s beneficial uses.
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CONNECTIVISM IN POSTSECONDARY ONLINE COURSES An Exploratory Factor Analysis...: EBSCOhost - 3 views

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    The purpose of this study is to explore the experiences of students in post-secondary online courses through the lens of connectivism. This mixed methods study was framed around Downes' four properties of connectivism. The results showed that the principles of connectivism encouraged positive online learning experiences.
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Social Networking Websites as an Innovative Framework for Connectivism - 9 views

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    This article makes a connection between social networks and the theory of connectivism and how this theory can help education through social networks.
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    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.
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    I like this article because it directly associates social networks, connectivism, and education. This quote from the article does a good job describing how: "The Connectivist theory has demonstrated that on a connected network, learners increase their capacities, performances, and levels of knowledge while creating and reforming the information. In that sense, social networking websites comprising already linked members in their innate technologies have a superior potential to enrich learners' current knowledge, skills, and abilities."
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    The article addresses one of the concerns I have regarding connectivism and social networking: the credibility and accuracy of information. Even in my PLN of educated people, misinformation can spread like wildfire. Unfortunately, if one of the respected members of a social network passes on information without checking the veracity of the information, misinformation can be given an air of legitimacy. In my networks, if the information is incorrect or outdated, I include a link to clear up the misinformation. However, you cannot "unring a bell", and the misinformation takes on a life of its own as "truth"
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    This article discusses the learning networks that have been created with the rise of so many social networking websites and how that relates to connectivism in terms of how people of this generation learn. The author asserts that today's learners are different from learners of the past because they require a social aspect to successfully acquire knowledge. This supports the proposed learning theory of connectivism, which they cite as meaning that "knowledge and cognition are distributed across networks of people and technology, and learning is the process of connecting, growing, and navigating those networks" (Siemens and Tittenberger (2009). The article identifies the need for a new perspective of integrating social networking websites using connectivism as an instructional strategy.
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Learning Networks and Connective Knowledge - 1 views

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    This article really helped to define knowledge in the Connectivist theory. To know something, means that you are able to organize and connect ideas together. The author makes a brilliant point that the more connections you have to the idea, the stronger your knowledge of it is. It also states that it is more important to continue to search for more knowledge and connections than it is to be satisfied with what is currently known.
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    This is a scholarly paper where Stephen Dowes discusses Personal Learning Environments (PLE) centered around the theory of connectivism. His discussion suggests that web 2.0 is unsuitable and too limiting for online learning. He suggests that in the PLE "management of learning migrates from the institution to the learner" (p. 15). In this way, the learner consumes resources as well as creating them.
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    I had a difficult time finding articles on PLN & PLE that were theoretical and not practical in nature. This article by Stephen Downes actually explores the connection between PLNs and Connectivism.
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    This article discusses different learning theories. One of the theories was network semantics and connective learning. This section describes what it means to be a network. Then it connects networks to what it means to be connective.
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    After reading this article I can get my head around how important PLN are and I applied it to my corporate job. Both my peers and the people who report to me connect in many ways.
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Educators Are Ditching Traditional Conferences for Blogs and Twitter - InformED - 9 views

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    This post explains how educators are becoming more sophisticated in their social media use which is leading to more shared information outside of the traditional conference or classroom.
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    This is a fascinating article! I was really inspired by at as I'm finding myself becoming more interested in making sure my social media connections are there to provide professional development (while mixing in some personal). As we become more tech centered, I can see there being value in collaborating online and learning through a variety of avenues, rather than sitting in a common area. I think this article can also be emphasized for student learning as we encourage them to learn and find connections to the content outside of the classroom.
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    This was an awesome article about professional use of social media. I think that it is really interesting to talk about how fewer teachers are attending face to face conferences and are instead replacing those with the use of the internet and social media!
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    Interestingly, I've found that in my field, Twitter has become a way to supplement the conference experience. Those who can't afford to attend are encouraged to follow along with what's happening (live) using session-specific hashtags. I can see librarian conferences eventually going by the wayside, and I'm not certain that I would be upset about that!
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    This was an interesting read. I also find that many conferences are hard to attend due to funding. I like how many educational professionals are finding ways to connect using their PLNs through Twitter to participate in edchats. Social media has made the ability to connect with others in your field so much easier and cheaper. It also demonstrates the point how learning and professional development are becoming more self-directed to meet each educator's needs. Thanks for sharing!
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    At my district professional development day this August, there was a session title Twitter for Teachers. While my district is not prepared to get rid of traditional PD, they can see the value in PLNs that allow for continuous professional growth. I think this article provides a great explanation of the transition from traditional PD and conferences to a digital world. The author also notes, however, that personalized learning could lead to "one-sided" information. I think that is why it may be important for districts to educate their teachers on PLNs to hopefully start them in the right direction.
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Connectivism: Foundations of Learning and Instructional Design Technology - 2 views

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    Connectivism: A Learning Theory for the Digital Age by George Siemens was reprinted in an online textbook called "Foundations of Learning and Instructional Design Technology." In the article, Siemens explains that the three oldest learning theories were based on a time when we lacked technology. He goes on to discuss the limitations each of the theories has on the individual that is exposed to technology. He then discusses connectivism and how it impacts learning in the digital-age.
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Personal Learning Networks - YouTube - 2 views

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    I am biased as I am a Will Richardson fan. I went to a day with him last year and it changed so much about what I thought. As a direct result I signed up for twitter and began to try and connect with people. He wrote a book on PLN's and his last TED book 'Why School' is a must read. Here he talks through the whole topic as well as big picture issues. Focused on education and good practice. Love the way he thinks and explains. Worth a follow think he is @willrich45
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    Thanks for adding this - I really enjoyed it. I like his comment that professional development is now the responsibility of the educator through PLNs than the institution. Also the comment "we really do want to be found by strangers online now." People don't learn just from their face-to-face worlds any more. I am going to download his TED book.
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    I like what he says about learning being constant in this internet age; with PLN's we are always learning. When we choose the right people to follow we are getting a wealth of knowledge everyday. We see what others are doing and get advice about what we are doing. "Learning is moving away from the institution and more to the individual." Educators and leaders need to support this change by "modeling" and "facilitating." This is exciting, how do we sell our leaders on this?
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    Thank you for the post, It was very insightful. I like how he compares a PLN to your own bigger brain, or something along those lines. I think this is a great way to think of a PLN. There is so much information out there one person can't possibly conceptualize it all, so we create PLNs a system of more brains to consult whenever we have problems or questions.
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    Richardson summarizes the importance and components of PLNs for educators and students. He summarizes that PLNs are networks of like-minded people that act as a network that converse and brainstorm answers to questions. Richardson notes that PLNs act as powerful sources of professional development for teachers. He discusses the current state of PLNs in our students' lives and how they are creating their own connections through various social media platforms. Finally, he relays the responsibility of teachers to inform themselves about PLNs in order to properly and safely guide our students through the use of PLNs.
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elearn Magazine: How important is Twitter in your Personal Learning Network? - 6 views

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    Focusing on the use of Twitter in a PLN, a study was conducted involving seven educators. The results were encouraging as Twitter provided an excellent medium for personalizing their PLN and having immediate access. Although much of the article goes on to explain how Twitter works in a roundabout way, it does explain the merits of open and public forums for collaboration and discussion.
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    This article discusses the growing interest in Personal Learning Networks (PLN) and Twitter among educators. This study interviews seven educators about their experiences using Twitter within a PLN to try to understand if Twitter played a unique and specific role in learning. Four distinct outcomes were: 1. Twitter allows participants to engage in instantaneous conversations with their PLN. 2. Twitter provides a way for participants to access the collective knowledge of their PLN. 3. Twitter helped grow the size of the PLN. 4. Twitter can be used as a motivator.
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    This article includes information on a research study, about using Twitter within a PLN. Its result mentions specific advantages such as allowing participants to engage in instantaneous conversation and access collective knowledge.
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    After reading the article and other comments, I think Ryan Olynyk's summary outlines the main ideas well.
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    This article explains several ways in which Twitter can enhance your PLN. It can allow you to share resources, receive resources, and crowdsource ideas. Using hashtags, users can explore topics that interest them and meet potential new members of the PLN. Retweets are another effective way to meet potential PLN members.
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    The article looks at the impact Twitter plays on PLNs. The research shows Twitter is a valuable tool to connect with people around the world and easily share ideas. The openness of Twitter can create large PLNs and impact more members.
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    For me its very important. I use it and Diigo groups the most as online PLN tools.
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    The article clearly shows the benefits of integrating twitter into your personal learning network. The article makes me reflect on my own social media presence where I need to transition from a lurker to an active member in order to build and sustain my PLN.
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    This article must have been for me since this is my first time on twitter. The information in this article leads me to think that you don't have to have twitter to have an PLN but it is easier when you do. It allows for fast and concise communication with your PLN.
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    This article covers a small scale research project done to see how important the use of Twitter was within a personal learning network. It was interesting to see how impactful Twitter could be within a PLN.
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    I love how this article validates the effectiveness of Twitter in the building of one's PLN. I have engaged in numerous Twitter chats with like-minded educators and found great benefit in building my PLN. Thanks for linking a great article!
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iNACOL | International Association for K-12 Online Learning - 0 views

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    The International Association for K-12 Online Learning Who We Are The mission of the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL) is to ensure all students have access to a world-class education and quality blended and Online Learning opportunities that prepare them for a lifetime of success.
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Once A Teacher - PLN - 9 views

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    PLN have been around forever but now we use technology to help increase those who can be involved. Most of the Personal Learning Networks are online and we can communicate with others from around the world. This article gives examples of how to use a PLN and how to build your own.
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    This is a good introductory look at what a PLN is. By reading their post and connecting other to it the author of this blog has just become a member or our PLN. I also enjoyed the nod to commoncraft one of my all time favorite resources to get people started.
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    I really enjoyed this article, especially The Networked Student video. I thought it was particularly important that the video stated that in order for the student to make meaningful connections, they had to practice validating and evaluating sites to see which ones would be most valuable in their research.
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    I enjoyed your article on "PLN: Your Personal Learning Network Made Easy." I never thought of of a PLN originally as our "family and friends, maybe other educators you worked with." This could really help newer teachers embracing technology "wrap their heads around what is happening" and how it really hasn't changed, just looks different.
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    A good article on what type of people and tools can constitute a PLN.  It gives some good examples and provides some great tools that could be included in anyone's PLN.  It embeds a youtube video in it that enhances my understanding of a PLN.  It also helps me to differentiate between a PLN and a CoP.
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    In this blog, educator Kate Klingensmith describes what a PLN is in general and also describes specific reasons why one can be useful to an educator. She also provides examples of how educators can use PLNs in beneficial ways.
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    Another great PLN blog. Also has great information on Web 2.0. There is a plethora of information on this site for online learning. Def. a great read.
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    I love the simple breakdown of the PLN on this site! I also really appreciate the table at the bottom that includes some great resources for getting the PLN started. This looks like a great blog! Thanks for sharing!
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    Before taking this class, I have never heard of a PLN, but as I read more about it, its amazing to see how many PLNs we are involved with. They definitely have an effect on how we learn and exchange information.
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    I liked the video clip that showed how networking can be beneficial. Simple video that explains it for people like me who are new the world of PLN's.
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    I like the chart of resources. I'm still trying to wrap my brain around all of the social media tools available out there on the Internet, so the chart in this blog post is helpful. Thanks!
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Connectivity: A Framework for Understanding Effective Language Teaching in Face-to-f... - 1 views

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    The author suggests that the foundation for connectivity is constructivism. The learner becomes the center of the of the learning process; rather than the dissemination of knowledge. The author further discusses the need for educators to adopt multiple methods of teaching in order to be effective in reaching the most students. Lastly, the author suggests that learning takes place in a collaborative and cooperative environment,
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Learning Networks - 0 views

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    This article explains that technology is the main reason for learning networks. We have been learning online, through websites and interactions between people for a long time now. It states that learning together with other people online can be much more engaging, entertaining and worth our time.
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Connectivism. vs. Constructivism - 2 views

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    Two more of those "C" words- helping to discern between them. The argument here is that connectivism is new, thus the misspelled word suggestion every time I type it in, whereas Constructivism is the "old" term and connectivism brings in more social media use to let people be more connected. I'll have to book mark the other blog they mention so look for that to be posted soon.
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    This is a short, understandable explanation of why one group feels that connectivism is simply a re-write of constructivism. I tend to agree. The one difference being that connectivism ignores offline learning, which from my experience in working in an extremely digital based work environment is still over half of all learning.
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    Great point Melissa. The fact that spell-check isn't on board yet shows how slow change and adoption of a new theory can be.
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    Mark, I agree with your point, although my thought is that Siemens and others associated with the theory would not discount the importance of offline interaction (traditional social constructivism) but rather highlight the new opportunities to learn that until now where being ignored in formal educational settings.
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    This blog talks about online education specifically science in an online environment. The blog post attached here talks about connectivism vs. constructivism. The post runs through how both of these learning theories discuss how students learn. The blog then goes into his takes on constructivism and connectivism.
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European Journal of Open, Distance and E-Learning - 0 views

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    This article provides an overview of connectivism and distinguishes between learning theory and instructional theory. It also introduces what it calls the three largest reservoirs of information including online classrooms, social networks, and virtual reality or simulated communities, along with mobile learning and looks for evidence of how they align with the theory of connectivism.
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Learning online: massive open online courses (MOOCs), connectivism, and cultural psycho... - 2 views

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    This article supports the argument that connectivism, which is often used as a guiding pedagogy for MOOCs, does not meet the criteria of a true learning theory. As such, connectivism should be abandoned as a pedagogical tool for Web 2.0 environments and replaced with a valid learning theory, specifically the Vygotskian cultural psychology. MOOC future pedagogy would, thus, consist of two initial principles: 1) the visualization of objects and 2) sustained dialogue and joint activity.
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    Hi Jennifer, I came across a similar article as well. What I do like about the idea of connectivism is that we are trying to reimagine learning processes and education and trying to make sense of it within the digital world. But it will be interesting to watch how this debate progresses over the next few years.
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Professional Development 2.0 for Librarians: Developing an Online Personal Learning Net... - 4 views

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    In this article Nicole Cooke, a Reference and Instruction Librarian encourages fellow librarians to keep abreast of the latest technology and the most current ways of seeking information so that they are prepared to help satisfy the needs of today's library patrons. She suggests that librarians prepare themselves for the evolving library patron by participating in professional development activities. In particular, Cooke advocates that librarians seek out the current educational opportunities that are available through various Web 2.0 applications. Cooke then moves on to describe how librarians can incorporate new learning opportunities into their day to day functions through the use of social media platforms such as blogs and wikis. Cooke ends the article by talking about personal learning networks and how librarians should take advantage of social media platforms to form connections with others in the field for professional growth.
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    I often feel like librarians are forgotten. It is also important to note how libraries have changed over the years. Because of that change, the development of online PLNs totally makes sense. Thanks for sharing!
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    I think this is a great article. I agree that anyone who is in education has to stay "savvy." I especially liked the comment "Maintaining competence and learning new skills must be at the top of every professional's "To Do" list. It is an ethical responsibility, to be sure, but also one that is pragmatic and critical for career success. [...] Continuing professional education is no longer an option, it is a requirement of professional practice. "
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    I am glad to see you posted a link to a PLN for librarians. I think understanding PLNs purpose and framework comes easier when it is viewed from a particular perspective (i.e. Librarians). I do think PLNs are particularly useful in the digital age with some much information and professional development resources readily available.
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Online learning environments in higher education: Connectivism vs. dissociation - 1 views

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    In this article, Reese discusses the current trends of online learning and how connectivism can help build 21st century skills through collaboration. Reese argues that without elements of communication, collaboration, and community, online education is not engaging students in meaningful learning experiences.
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    Hi Jessica, I really like this article because Reese actually discusses some of the academic resistance to elearning opportunities and how that has created a barrier to resources that move students forward into meaningful communication and learning. Kristen
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Connectivism for Online Learning - 0 views

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    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.
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