Can you have connectivism without computers….could you treat the classroom/learning center and face to face “time” like a connectivist hub? If so, where would the student go to find, validate, leverage, analyze and synthesize information in that place? Could she problem solve and communicate in an unrestricted way to learn freely? ….”
Connectivism is about networks of learning that connect individuals with the world. This may be messy and no, it most likely does not fit neatly into the institution of "schooling". That said, connectivist praxis can happen wherever we choose to embrace the learning theory and experience. We need to work to find ways to learning that are meaningful and stop squabbling over old institutional theories that fit neatly into our outdated vision of the school.
As Sawyer (2006) states,
Educated graduates need a deep conceptual understanding of complex concepts, and the ability to work with them creatively to generate new ideas, new theories....and new knowledge (p.2).
We need to focus on active connections, networks, and our ability to revision the places education happens.
Sawyer, R. K. (2006). The Cambridge handbook of the learning sciences. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
This post was inspired by a student....and new teacher in the field
You're right. I tried to teach a class in the '80s with a connectivist approach. Didn't use the term then, called it 'individualized learning'. I raced around the community finding additional books, movies, mentors, speakers, examples for each student. I was facilitator extraordinaire. But it worked. Massive connections were made. Other teachers were fascinated but kept asking me "How did you do this?"
ReplyDeleteWhat the Internet does is allow this kind of learning to finally take place. We need new forms of teacher training in order to make it work.
Susan, your right on. Teacher training is a big part for the overall system. Making that "how did you do that into participatory action and networked learning is difficult but may be essential. See the work of Monika Hardy and community at the TDS Innovation Lab here https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eH5dT34ps4T4iaVyDPUA_MUfffGmtr02wBcFukwV6c0/edit?hl=en&pli=1
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