From George Siemens article, there was a lot of valid information pertaining to the numerous theories of learning that are out there. From that, I've created an analogy which I think is fitting for the learner of today. Knowledge today becomes older faster because of technology and the multitude of information outlets. With that in mind, older forms of information delivery are constantly being surpassed by newly developing systems.
The learner of today is much like the man who commutes to work. Every day the man who commutes to work is looking for a faster more efficient means of travel. His current car is old. I mean it’s a 1996 and here it is 2008. The man decides to go to a dealership to get something different. He has a decision to make. Does he purchase a used car that’s a little newer for less money or a new car for more money? “Our ability to learn what we need for tomorrow is more important than what we know today." Siemens, George . "Connectivism:A Learning Theory for the Digital Age." (2005): The older used car is obsolete in that it’s been out and others cars have already surpassed it. The newer car is unique in that it’s the latest model and nothing has surpassed it yet. The commuter needs to know that the latest car he purchases is like the ability to know what he needs tomorrow. If he chooses another used car, which gets him there a little faster, he will still be looking to get to work faster. If he chooses a brand new car, he won’t be searching for a faster means to work as soon.
3 comments:
Great analogy. The learner is always looking for more efficient ways to learn, and at the rate technology is changing these days, it's a neverending cycle of acquiring knowledge and trying to find better ways to acquire that knowledge.
Joe,
I hope that you didn't get the idea from Siemen's article that connectivism is simply about technology. It is actually about learning through connections.
Perhaps we could extend your analogy of the man looking for a new car to include having him access various networks of others who know about buying cars to get recommendations from them. Connectivism is really about learning through networks of connections.
Dr. Burgos
With life going at a much quicker rate, due to the increasing influx of technology, it is necessary to make these connections in order to become a more efficient learner. I try to live by the motto, "work smarter, not harder." By learning through the networks of connection, learners can acquire more knowledge and keep up with the ever-changing pace of our world.
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