EDTECH at Boise State University

Discussion by one of the founders of connectivism, Stephen Downes. A thorough explanation of some cautions to be heeded by individuals within a network, like resisting the pull to jump to conclusions. Groups should be connected but not cave to any assumptions as those will naturally ebb and flow. Part of that flexibility is staying open to a diverse community in order to be open to information.

The idea of interpretation is to compile our own knowledge, not directly, but by how we gauge what is happening. Emergence is the result of this interpretation, but is not always correct! Social knowledge comes out of what we can term a community of practice. An example is given of the price of wheat being dependent upon the many wheat buyers that are part of that community.

This slide share touches on what social learning is.  It suggests that people learn a great deal of information on their own and in their own manners--sometimes just by talking to others.  It focuses on the need for a tool or web software that promotes social and informal learning but still takes into account data privacy and security.   

This is a brief but detailed explanation of Bandura's social learning theory.  It summarizes the theory and helps to make it understandable.

Community of Practice evolving encyclopedic resource keying in on history, examples, benefits, with a variety of additional references and additional readings

A well written definition with some great explanation, distinctions, and benefits of cop.

Connectivism overview outlining major principles of the theory, includes George Siemens video. Excellent quote from George Siemens (video) "We can not, not learn"

Stacie, Good site to define connectivism. I especially like the diagram graphic and the two video clips with George Siemens, one of the gurus of this technology. The two slide shares are great too. We have one of those slides in our resources for this module.

A great article and resource on George Siemen's principles of connectivism. This includes excellent alternate resources including links to other supporting pages and video links to help understand the connectivism theory.

In a different twist, this article discusses personal learning environments as a part of activity theory. This theory encompasses connectivism, but also adds in other elements such as rules and division of labor. The paper goes on to analyze the parts of a personal learning enviornment which include the person and the tool being used.

Summary: This article examines the distinguishing features of PLEs. The authors assert that PLEs are complex activity systems; therefore, they want to prove that key elements of PLEs can be described using Activity Theory. Section 2.3 provides a nice overview on Activity Theory, while section 4 reflects their findings. To read the article click the MSWord link. I appreciate the fact that they include diagrams and charts -- these make the article user-friendly.

Examination of how learning has evolved in the digital age. For example, engagement with learning content has changed from the student acquisition of knowledge through books to the interaction with content via the internet.

I love how this article demonstrates connectivism. Email wasn't just born, it was born out of the idea of the world wide web. From there came other email applications. It is so true and I think so easily forgotten.

Invited by Siemens, Kerr offers a challenge to the theory of connectivism.

Interesting read. Admittedly, the dine differences between learning theories is a bit beyond me, but if Siemens thought it was important that people heard the counter view then it must be substantive. While some of the comments by Kerr don't seem to necessarily counter Siemens' views, they certainly do add to the conversation.

Documents and materials to help craft a technology vision statement

Another phenomenal  science website for middle school to high school. Includes activities on building an electric motor, circulatory system, habitat overcrowding, etc. Check it out!

Here's a little additional information I found on Simulations. http://olc.spsd.sk.ca/DE/PD/instr/strats/simul/index.html

Please comment on the voicethread. It is quite fun and I would love to see and hear what you have to say.

Describes how to make presentation software work for students and why if used correctly can enhance their learning process

This is actually the rebuttal to the first article I bookmarked on PowerPoint being evil. Great thought about how if it is used as the sole source of teaching then that is where the real problem lays.

My personal plan for ensuring a positive digital footprint.

Here is the link to my Google Docs for my EDTECH 543 Top Ten Digital Footprint assignment.