Connectivism

As part of my assignment for school this week, I was required to create a Mind Map relative to my learning process. I had never created one before, and to be honest never heard of them. To me, a Mind Map is similar to a flow chart or algorithm.

As I began the process of creating my Mind Map it was interesting to see what contributes to my learning and how my learning process has changed from when I was younger. So how do these connections facilitate my learning and do they support or refute the central tenets of connectivism?

Years ago I went to school, participated in assigned curriculum, and basically did what the teacher asked. It was a very formal, traditional way of learning using textbooks, lecture, memorization, homework and written tests. Even when I pursued my Associates Degree 23 years ago, it was the same style of learning. However, as I look at my Mind Map it is apparent that in the last 23 years, learning, at least mine, has changed dramatically. To me the biggest change to my learning is the inclusion of technology, i.e. internet and online education. In addition, social networking that was once done in a traditional classroom is now done through postings, although I’m not sure that that has been a positive change as I think there is some loss in dialogue. But, on the other hand technology, through online learning, has given me the opportunity to participate in classes with individuals from other countries, something that would have been out of reach for me. In looking at my Mind Map, I am connected to more learning resources than ever before.

For me, the best digital tools have been online classes (allows me to balance work, family and school), the internet (allowing online research vs. going to the library). The ability to go to “class” at a time that is available has enabled me to pursue my graduate degree, something that would have not been possible at this point in my life. Through the use of the internet I am able to research topics faster than ever before.

In looking at my Mind Map I am amazed how I am able to obtain answers to my questions. No longer do I have try and seek out an “expert”. I can now go to the internet and Google my question or look for a blog on the topic or post it on Facebook and receive responses from my network of friends. Through all the connections mapped in my Mind Map, I have access to numerous resources and experts instantaneously.

In reading the web article “Connectivism: Emerging Perspectives on Learning, Teaching and Technology” (Davis, Edmunds, Kelly-Bateman) http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Connectivism the Principles of Connectivism and looking at my personal learning network outlined in my Mind Map, I would have to say the Connectivism theory supports my personal network. Technology and its uses is a key component of Connectivism, and my learning network, as indicated above, is heavily dependant on technology. My learning network supports a diversity of opinions through my social networking, I rely on technology for learning, my learning network supports seeking the most up-to-date information, and my learning is not connected to just one network, but many. These are just a few examples of how I believe my personal network supports the Connectivism theory. To me Connectivism learning connects all our learning resources and connects the knowledge obtained from each to gain the most meaningful learning experience.

Evaluating and Identifying Online Resources

This week’s assignment is to locate at least two resources (web sites and/or online journals) relating to this week’s topics: the brain and learning, information processing theory, and problem-solving methods during the learning process.

My online search for a journal or web site led me to The International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning http://www.itdl.org/ is published monthly (although March 2010 is the last journal posted online), refereed and global, with 33% of the articles coming from outside the United States. Workplaces and schools within the United States have become so diverse and global and I think it is beneficial to have articles from abroad. A sampling of topics include: research, theory and practice, online learning, learning styles, and adaptation to different cultures to name a few. Highlighted articles relating to this week’s readings would are: Considering Cognitive Learning Needs of Older Learners; Connectivisim: A Learning Theory for the Digital Age; Brain-Based Learning: Possible Implications for Online Instruction; Solo and Social Learning in Online Courses: Implications for Information Processing Theory. I think anyone involved in education and/or instructional design can benefit from the articles posted on this site.

In researching articles relating to this week’s readings through the Walden University library databases, I came across the ScienceDirect Journals. ScienceDirect is part of Elsevier and is accessible online at http://www.sciencedirect.com/. Although no subject area exists for education, educators and instructional designers would select the Psychology subject area. Under this subject there is a lot of articles relating to the brain and the learning process; information important to teachers and instructional designers. However, it is little difficult to navigate and search in the beginning. The other downside of this site is it requires you to register as a user.

In closing I would have to say The International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning was by far my top choice. I look forward to seeing the journals/sites identified by my peers.

Instructional Design

My name is Lisa Falanga and I am a graduate student enrolled in the IDT program at Walden University. I am new to blogging and have tackled the task of finding blogging sites that will serve as a resource to me as an instructional designer. While I must say at first I was a bit overwhelmed, I did eventually figure out how to navigate the various blogging sites available. Below I have identified three sites that I believe will be beneficial to me as an instructional designer. However, I also found these sites contain information that is valuable to me now in my current profession as a Program Coordinator of continuing education (instructor-led as well as on-line training) in a community healthcare system in Massachusetts.

http://www.articulate.com/rapid-elearning/ - This site contains valuable information for creating e-learning. It provides tips and tricks for creating e-learning as well as access to templates to use when creating e-learning courses. Topics covered on this site vary from Designing the Right Course, Instructional Design, Building Scenarios, to name a few. The information is easy to access and understand. This blog is hosted by Tom Kuhlmann who currently runs the community at Articulate, a leader in rapid e-learning software and e-learning authoring tools.

http://www.wordpress.com/ - When you enter "instructional design" in the search engine on the top right corner of this site, you get a hit of 14,000+ posts. There are lots of blogs and/or articles on this site regarding instructional design, understanding information and how it relates to instructional design, and approaches to learning. I believe this site to be useful to the instructional designer in helping them understanding the learning process, their relationship with content experts, etc. As instructional designers we need to understand what the goal of the learning experience is; how do we interpret the information provided by the content experts and convey that information to the learner. I think this blog site is helpful with that process.

http://www.elearninglearning.com/blog/instructional-design/- As a facilitator of education, I liked this site a lot. Here you can find lots of information relative to not just instructional design but to T & D as well. There are links to well-known learning organizations, such as American Society for Training & Development and upcoming e-learning events. I think anyone involved in instructional design, learning and performance, or adult education will find this site useful.

After reviewing these blogging sites, I have a much better understanding of their purpose and how they will benefit me not only in my current position, but as I pursue my degree in instructional design. They provide so much information beneficial to anyone involved in T & D. While it takes some time to learn how to navigate through them, once you have that down it is amazing how much information is at your fingertips. Hopefully you will visit these sites and find them useful.