Connectivism - Approach to Learning

There appears to be a symphony going on in my brain! Whenever new data (information) enters, it appears to travel down roads (networks) searching for a friend (similar information). When new data meets old, it immediately performs a compare and contrast and, if the data is the same, the information merges. If the data is different, the information is analyzed, synthesized and then one piece prevails while the other is disregarded. If the data is "authentically new", it appears to move in and take up residence in a neighborhood with similar categories or types of information. All data is continuously evaluated, processed, and either stored or filtered out. An analysis of what is important and what is not is forever present, consistent with Siemen's definition of connectivism (Davis pp 2). The brain like a symphony has different parts and activities, each appearing to work on its own but every part, like every instrument working together in complete harmony to make beautiful music.

Overtime, the network has changed in two important ways. The first way that it changed is in the amount of information stored. The volume has significantly increased over the years based on a rise in the number of resources used. The second change is in the way information appears to be processed and filtered more quickly than ever before. Maturity appears it have increased processing efficiency.

The digital tools that best facilitate learning are computer based multi-media (audio and video). The ability to simultaneously see and hear content enables the receipt of information through two senses (sight and sound). When information is received, it is as if each sense confirms the information received by the other sense. A comparison between what I saw I heard and what I heard I saw.

To gain new knowledge when there is a question, various print and virtual resources are examined first. Afterwards a discussion with atleast two social resources or bloggers may occur. The data is re-evaluated, re-confirmed, and stored with similar information, if applicable.

My personal learning network supports the central tenets of connectivism (Davis pp 2-3) in several ways:

• Diverse sources and opinions are investigated when acquiring new information.
• As a life-long learner; accurate, current information, and knowledge is always desired over the status-quo.
• There is a desire to make connections between information and ideas.
• An assessment of what is and is not important is continuous.