Connectivism, Networked Learning, Connective Knowledge course
George Siemens and Stephen Downes, those inveterate provokers-of-thought in digitally-mediated education, are co-facilitating what will probably be an innovative and timely online learning program titled Connectivism, Networked Learning and Connective Knowledge, beginning January 12th 2011.
According to the authors,
Connectivism and Connective knowledge will explore the concepts of connectivism and connective knowledge and discuss their application as a framework for theories of teaching and learning. It will outline a connectivist understanding of educational systems of the future. This course will help participants make sense of the transformative impact of technology in teaching and learning over the last decade. The voices calling for reform do so from many perspectives, with some suggesting ‘new learners’ require different learning models, others suggesting reform is needed due to globalization and increased competition, and still others suggesting technology is the salvation for the shortfalls evident in the system today. While each of these views argue for the need for change, they overlook the primary reasons why change is required. This course will tackle the deep rooted change pressures and explore why systemic response is required.
As this is an open online course, participation is open to everyone; you need only register here and subscribe. Throughout this course, participants can use a variety of web-based technologies for learning, including:
- blogs
- Second Life
- RSS Readers
- UStream
- …and so on
Course resources will be provided using gRSShopper and online seminars delivered using Elluminate.
The curriculum includes the following topics:
- Week 01: Connectivism?
- Week 02: Patterns
- Week 03: Knowledge
- Week 04: Unique?
- Week 05: Groups, Networks
- Week 06: PLENK
- Week 07: Adaptive Systems
- Week 08: Power & Authority
- Week 09: Openness
- Week 10: Net Pedagogy
- Week 11: Research & Analytics
- Week 12: Changing views
This course will provide participants with credits in the University of Manitoba’s Certificate in Adult and Continuing Education and Certificate in Emerging Technologies for Learning.
Click here to access the University of Manitoba’s course page:
http://www.extended.umanitoba.ca/Courses.aspx?id=77000009
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January 11 2011 03:00 pm | e-learning
3 Responses to “Connectivism, Networked Learning, Connective Knowledge course”
Tweets that mention Connectivism, Networked Learning, Connective Knowledge course | E-Learning Curve Blog -- Topsy.com on 11 Jan 2011 at 3:47 pm #
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Shelly S Terrell. Shelly S Terrell said: Connectivism, Networked Learning, Connective Knowledge course http://bit.ly/hHXEZ6 #elearning [...]
Thoughts on Connectivism « ars-libitum on 29 Jan 2011 at 4:45 pm #
[...] (for those who post regularly) provide current information and/or thoughts on particular topics. George Seimens and Stephen Downes have recently begun a blog on Connectivism, which they talk about through Athabasca University and contains some associated words and thoughts [...]
Cynthia Toliver on 16 May 2011 at 4:34 am #
The Connected Classroom
I arrived late to your post announcing the class on connectivism. Nonetheless my curiosity was piqued, and I was not disappointed. True to the spirit of connectivism, I began to search the net and follow links for that blog, website or in this case video that would pull the concept together for me. The Networked Student by Wendy Drexler did just that (Drexler, 2011).
“Networks involve connected specialization – namely we are intelligent on our own and we amplify that intelligence when we connect to others” (Siemens, G., 2011). The networked student in Drexler’s video uses blogs and social networking sites to expand their own knowledge and to share knowledge with others.
My school has yet to embrace technology to this degree. As a policy, we block blogs and social networking sites that would facilitate connectivism. We prohibit the use of handheld technology that would give students ready access to the wealth of information available. While I recognize the legitimate concerns, I also believe by limiting access, we are robbing students of the opportunities to learn to use the technologies responsibly and to network with others.
Students should be equipped for the global connected world they will live and work in. As I experienced connectivism in my first online course, I envisioned bringing connectivism to my secondary mathematics classroom. In my experience with traditional classrooms, a few students will competently participate in discussions, but in the online environment there is equity. Every student contributes, every student is “heard”.
I plan to start a discussion board for my mathematics students, enhancing their learning by providing them an engaging and secure environment to investigate problems, share solutions and expand their knowledge. Such an environment will help transform my students into explorers and thinkers capable of using their mathematics knowledge in novel ways.
Drexler, W. (15, May 2011). The Networked Student. [Video]. Retrieved from (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwM4ieFOotA
Siemens, G. (6, May 2011). Connectivism: Networked and social learning. Retrieved from http://www.connectivism.ca/