Connectivism

Below is a mind map of my network connections:

Connectivism offers a new way to look at learning. One of the key components of connectivism is its emphasis on the importance of networks, or connections. When thinking about how my own connections affect my learning, I really began to think about how my connections came to be. I can say that my digital connections are primarily through social networking media. The most beneficial of these social networking outlets for me would be YouTube and various blogs. I think the human trial and error element really helps facilitate my learning. With YouTube, I can subscribe to those individuals that have the same interests as me. I learn from their mistakes and the way they do things. This is different from learning from a book or a lecture. A lecture is learning in theory; YouTube is learning in practice. The same can be said for blogging. The blogger offers their view on a particular topic and how it relates to them. Again, I can learn from their experiences, which to me are more beneficial than the theoretic approach offered by a textbook.

These networks have changed the way I learn drastically. Only recently have I gotten on the blogging and vlogging (video blogging or YouTube) bandwagon. I did not realize there was literally a video on YouTube pertaining to anything you want to learn how to do. I have learned everything from the best way to bake a potato to how to apply false eyelashes by watching videos. If I ever have a question or something is unclear, I can always ask the user or simply search for another video that further explains. Blogging and vlogging have become one of my greatest pastimes and resources.

Blogging and vlogging in my opinion is textbook connectivism. Some of the underlying principles of connectivism: learning and knowledge rests in diversity of opinions, nurturing and maintaining connections is needed to facilitate continual learning, accurate, up-to-date knowledge is the intent of all connectivist learning activities, are all supported by my personal network. Those who take part in this method of learning are always on a quest for new information. They always want to know what is new or what is next. By building connections with those who have just as much interest in the subject, you can always stay on top of the up and coming news. The larger your network (i.e. the more followers your blog has, or the more subscribers you have on YouTube, or the more people you are subscribed to) the greater your learning. This is in line with the central tenet of connectivism that learning is the process of creating connections and developing a network.