Connectivism an alternative to informal professional learning

Recently, I wrote about connectivism and I want to share some ideas about the learning theory (Delgado, 2014). George Siemens (2006) formulated a learning theory based in the network connections in the digital age. Siemens (2006) indicated that the world changed; technology transformed how individuals interacted with information and knowledge evolved in a dynamic and interactive process. “Learning is a process of creating networks” (Siemens, 2006, p. 29). Connectivist key ideas can be summarized as the interaction between individuals and information, based in the used of Web 2.0, and social technology (Bell, 2011). This connected interaction let practitioners generated knowledge anytime and anywhere. The access to technology and information created knowledge; communities of practice transformed in learning ecologies that made every participant a node of teaching and learning. In connectivism, learning ecologies were a key component of the learning interactions (Siemens, 2005). The theory explored how learning occurred with the use of Web 2.0, blogs, Wikis and social media. The learning process evolved from being individualistic to becoming a collective participative experience. To be able to understand connectivism it is necessary to participated and used web 2.0 tools. When an educator used Web 2.0 tools; then will comprehend the connectivist theoretical applications. As an educator, I recommended the following:

1. Participate in Pil Network, share content and collaborate with teachers around the world.
2. Develop your digital profile, upload activities and create a blog or webpage
3. Participate in educational discussions using Twitter or Facebook. The learning community will help you develop a personal learning network where technologies will guide your learning process. At the end, Connect, Share and Learn; those are the skills need in the 21st century. You are in the right path just keep learning.

References:

Bell, F. (2011). Connectivism: Its place in theory-informed research and innovation in technology-enabled learning. International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning 12(3), p. 98 -118. Retrieved from http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/902/1664

Delgado, J. (2014). Connectivism as a Learning Theory Critique: Persuasive Essay

Siemens, G. (2005). Connectivism: A learning theory for the digital age. International Journal of Instructional Design and Distance Learning. Retrieved from http://www.itdl.org/Journal/Jan_05/article01.htm

Siemens, G. (2006). Knowing knowledge. Retrieved from http://www.elearnspace.org/KnowingKnowledge_LowRes.pdf