EDTECH at Boise State University

This article opens by explaining that personal learning networks are about learning through interactions with others in multiple ways. These PLNs allow learners to join multiple groups and access resources to help them learn when needed. One big topic it hits on is how the learning is initiated by the learner on their own. The writer goes on to say that today there is access to so much information on the internet that makes it so much easier to access the resources to help people learn. It also discusses how learning is self-directed yet the resources within the personal learning network can make that easier.

This article states that a personal learning network is a major component within digital learning. After that, the writer explains that simply "surfing the web" is not an example of a PLN, but monitoring a specific set of resources is. It then goes on to discuss how personal learning networks can help teachers use class time more effectively while giving students access to materials through the use of the internet. The article explains this with the use of a blog for a class.

This article explains connectivism by taking a hard look at the other learning theories that set out to explain the way in which the world learns now. It explores research scenarios that allowed people to "cope with rapid change in the "information ecology"". I think that that is a great talking point for connectivism because it does act as a way to do this. It explains how this theory is expanding the development of new pedagogies that view a less important role of the facilitator and more important role on the autonomy of the student. The author states that connectivism is not the catch all of learning theories and needs to have more studies done in order to really evaluate its importance in the classrooms and virtual classrooms.

This peer reviewed article is compelling because it provides a historical look at the evolution of Connectivism while considering what detractors say are the inherent flaws in the theory. Additionally, the authors provide relevant discussion of the rise of and failures of MOOCS. Finally, 5 scenarios are provided to illustrate the discussion.

This article first discusses how the internet plays a role in connectivism, but also how it is not equal across the world as far as internet use or access. The article then goes on to state that connectivism has replaced behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism because all three of those had some limitations. After explaining this, it then goes into different situations in the classroom and depending on what is going on within the classroom, relates it to the theory of connectivism or another theory. It discusses how some say connectivism is insufficient in the classroom, but the writer goes on to explain that there still isn't one single theory that can do it all in the context of learning within the classroom.

Hi Guys! This is my classroom website that I used throughout the 2016-2017 school year. I visit it often but I am hoping to create a better one!

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

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.

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.

George Siemens presents fundamental tenets of the theory of connectivism in context of and as a substitute or followup to behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism. He discusses the principles of the theory as well as the implications of the theory and why it is superior in a digital age of abundant information sharing.

George Siemens introduces Connectivism as a learning theory for the digital age. In this article, Siemens outlines the main principles and expresses the need for a new learning theory given today's technological advancements. Siemens begins by analyzing the three key learning theories (behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism) in order to describe how these three theories have become outdated and no longer work for today's learner. With Connectivism, Siemens and Downes believe that learning no longer exists solely in one learner; instead, they assert that learning happens best when networks of people come together to create and pursue knowledge. Siemens and Downes explain that because the Internet has so much information, and because that information is constantly changing/updating, learning is not about the knowledge itself but the pursuit of knowledge as it emerges through connection, conversation, and inquiry.

MIND Research Institute is a neuroscience and social benefit organization developing visual math programs and changing the way math is taught in the USA.

Since we're getting started with a few social media platforms this week, here are a few more that are out there.

This was the creative genius behind the beginning of my classroom's flexible seating transformation.

We are adopting a 1-1 initiative next year and my math team and I are looking for an online data base to help us differentiate. This is the best option that we have found and I like how individualized the learning can be!

This daily ranking of the 100 top education blogs is great for finding current top blogs.

My kids love this FREE site - filled with videos for brain breaks and indoor recess - get your kids moving!! Free brain breaks kids love and teachers request.

I use this site with my middle school Chorus students on a nearly-daily basis. While its content is aimed towards K-5, it allows great guided movement on days we need to get the wiggles out, and guided breathing and focus when we need to bring down the stress in the room.

This is my class website! Here you will be able to find a calendar of the assignments as well as resources and other materials that are helpful for my students. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have!

Welcome to my class' website! Here you will be able to find a calendar of the assignments as well as resources and other materials that will be helpful for you this year. Students often use my website to see homework assignments posted as well as a copy of notes from the lessons or answer keys for study guides.

A site that has an infinite amount of content. It really deserves to be explored more than explained. I really find it quite interesting. Nested is my favorite part.

I absolutely love this website! As a middle school English teacher, I constantly explore this website for ideas, lessons, and encouragement.