#CCK08: Is Connectivism a Learning Theory?

A learning theory relates to the way individuals acquire and process information. The prevalent learning theories are: (a) Behaviorist, (b) Cognitive, and (c) Constructivist.

I expect individual processing of information to be stable across populations. However, I expect acquisition to vary according to individual learning styles, multiple intelligences and the following approaches to learning (Dunn, 2002):

# Sensory stimulation theory
# Reinforcement theory
# Cognitive-Gestalt approaches
# Holistic learning theory
# Facilitation theory
# Experiential learning
# Action learning
# Adult learning (Andragogy)(pp.1-3)

I would add Connectivism and Humanism to the list under acquisition of learning (Siemens, 2004). Connectivism seems to complement a constructivist approach to learning where learning takes place in a social environment. The social environment may change, but the learning approach does not. Social networks and web 2.0 tools (facebook, myspace, ning, wikis, twitter, delicious, learnhub, wiziq, wikieducator etc) are framing the current learning environments that foster connectivism.

Dunn, L. (2002, June 27). Theories of learning. Retrieved September 9, 2008, from http://www.brookes.ac.uk/services/ocsd/2_learntch/briefing_papers/learning_theories.pdf

Siemens, G. (2004, December 12). Connectivism: A learning theory for the digital age. Retrieved September 9, 2008, from http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/connectivism.htm

Learning to Focus and Having Fun

Can't learning be "fun" and still focus on learning objectives? Losing sight of the goals of learning and being critical is wonderful if you know what and how to focus on your learning objectives. I would like to share some of my recent experiences and ideas on focusing and having fun.

I have been practicing mindfulness meditation which focuses on the breathing in order to become more conscious of the present moment. Life has been making it more and more difficult for me to focus as my mind constantly races from one idea to the next. How can I expect my students to focus on learning objectives or anything for that matter when I am not focused myself. My students minds are racing all over the place. I decided to teach myself to stop before attempting to teach others. I concluded that I needed to stop in order to understand what it means to focus my mind on the present whatever it happened to be and having some control of my mind. So, since I spend most of my time multi-tasking, I decided to learn about stopping and focusing on the present while running. People can now see me laughing my head off as I run with my i-Pod and listen to Gil Fronsdal and Tolle Eckhart. They are so funny!!!

Positive Learning Connections (CCK08)

I love the positive learning connections available on Wikieducator. I plan to teach my high school students how to use the features of WE in a writing course to improve their writing. Any suggestions?

The World is Flat and Connectivism (CCK08)

Listen to Thomas L. Friedman, the author of The World is Flat, speak about connectivism at an Israeli conference in July, 22, 2008

Multi-tasking: Achieving Goals and Staying Current (CCK08)

I often wonder whether I am stating what I mean clearly. Receiving feedback from others is one way of finding out. I totally agree with George's comment: "I don't think anything is "always the best". Is the best an illusion? Technological tools are forever changing; what may be best for me today for a specific purpose, may not be the best solution tomorrow.

Moreover, I would need to set a clear path with set goals in order to be able to select a series of technological tools that will help me achieve my goals. However, technology is constantly changing. Do I ignore the latest tools and continue focusing on my goals, or do I perhaps combine staying current and achieving my goals simultaneously. It may be hard, but I think I may be better at multitasking than I realize (smile). With a few breaks for mindfulness meditation practice (smile), I think I will benefit from the process.

Is many always the best? (CCK08)

Is many always the best? I use ning sites, blogs, facebook groups, myspace, learnhub, wiziq, Moodles, wikis, twitter and some other cyber spaces I have already forgot. I keep creating spaces because I seem to correlate many spaces with many learning experiences. Is this true? Is many always the best?