Connectivism and Social Learning in Practice

Cooperative learning environments and social networking play directly into correlation with social learning theories. Our culture is literally gushing with an overabundance of data and resources. In order to construct knowledge or to gain equilibrium, it is essential that students learn expertise into the proper use of networks and group interactions in order to establish cultural meaning. “Knowledge is a human product, and is socially and culturally constructed. (Orey, 2001)” In order to assemble knowledge, it is essential that educators facilitate communal situations that enable such social constructivism.

Technology is the impetus that has ushered in the change from behaviorism through connectivism. In an environment of limitless information, “The act of learning, then is the act of forming networks (Laureate, 2009)” gained through the social process. It is logical that since technology has ushered in this most recent evolution that it remain the vehicle of advancement and connectivity.

Our students today are immersed in social connectivism. It is imperative that we embrace this trend rather than remain stubborn in our comfortable traditions. An excellent college professor once explained to me that a “Revolution” was like a wagon wheel. In a revolution, the bottom came up onto the top and the top went to the bottom. We are experiencing a silent but unprecedented revolution of the educational environment. We must embrace the technology and social connectivity in order to assist our students to develop a perspective with which to embrace an environment of rapidly exponentially accelerating change. It is no longer acceptable to present a topic and provide a diploma. Kids need the skills to establish and access networks in order to process overwhelming amounts of information into knowledge.

References:

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author.

Orey, M.(Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Multiple Intelligences and Learning Styles. Retrieved from
http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Main_Page on January 10, 2010.