Module 4 Connectivism

Networks via technological advances have become the preferred method of communicating among adolescents and adults.  The use of the Internet coupled with social networking technologies is a growing trend which has spawned the birth of several user friendly applications that can be accessed not only via a PC but any cell phone with smart phone technology as well. These innovative technologies has also made it possible for society to keep the lines of communication open with family and friends virtually any time of the day.

Facebook has connected me back with friends from grade school, high school, and college. It is also a tool that my family in other states utilizes to keep up with each other via IM, Messages, and Wall Post. Facebook also allows for my friends and family to share pictures and video links to other popular social networking sites like twitter and linked in. Although I see my co-workers daily, Facebook is also a means of keeping in touch with current and past peers. The internet itself is my personal gateway to the social networking sites listed above, it is my access point to my educational goals and entertainment relief.

Society has become depended on these networks. You would think that we always had these technologies at our fingertips. When I need any kind of information, I Google it! The use of 411 and phone books are obsolete. What would we do without our cell phones? What would life be like? Using payphones, actually remembering telephone number, and looking for places or events via newspapers and phone books; our children would think we have gone mad. This is the life that that majority of society came from less than 20 years ago. Technological advances are moving fast, and through networks it will move even faster.  

Module 3: Constructivist and Collaboration

At one point, I did not believe humans have a basic instinct to work in a group.  As part of our nature we act on survival instinct, most often survival of the fittest and what’s in the best interest of the individual.  However, the anomaly of the technology age which has evolved definitely brings people and groups close together.  We now use technology to collaborate on different projects, teams, and tasks.  With the evolution of Wiki Pages and Blogs as it applies to the constructivist principles we are now open to others ideas and nurturing a collaborative learning environment.  Students are allowing and providing input based upon their own personal experiences.

Students or people working in groups allow for learning not just from the instructor but from their peers.  I believe when students participate in the learning process the entire group and/or class benefits as a whole. Another thing to consider is that the demographics of the student population have changed. Because education access has expanded to online learning, the amount of non-traditional students has increased; therefore you now have adult learners who have just as much experience as the instructor. Overall making the students input valuable to the lesion or activity being administered.