Understanding this “connectivism” stuff is a little more challenging than I was expecting, but the more I look into it, the more I read, the more I watch….the more I think I might be starting to comprehend.
I started by reading the first few items that were listed on the CCK11 board and thought “man what have I gotten myself into”. Then I listened to the webinar today and I thought “man what have I gotten myself into.” So I took one more crack at it tonight and listened, watched and read the remaining items. I looked a few of the postings from other students and slowly, very slowly, I think I might be starting to understand.
It’s amazing (and slightly sneaky) that what I’m learning about is how I’m learning about it. Creating connections, seeking out information, working it all into a format that is something I can digest and re-access I believe is completely the essence of what we are each are trying to accomplish with in this course.
The other thing I’m trying to do as I work though this material is create a concept map. I don’t think I’m truly doing what is asked of me as part of the credit (yes, crazy me is doing this for credit too), but it is challenging difficult to wrap my thoughts around trying to, well in fact, map my thoughts. I’m using TheBrain.com to collect, sort and connect all that I come across through out this course. I am suspecting that by the 8th week when the concept map is due that I will have some incredibly complex web of information all related in some manner or another to CCK11.
Here’s an image currently of what it looks like. Please take into consideration that I’ve already replayed with it, moved things around, reconnected items at least 10 times and I’m sure I’ll be tweaking it more as the course goes along. When I get more comfortable with the layout of the main points and what should fall under them I’ll share the Brain so that others can look at it and hopefully access some of the information on it. Not sure about this as this may come down to a matter of $ for service by the vendor. For now my mind is exploding trying to keep up and create this and it’s only day 2 – but there in is some of the fun in this all for me.
Tracy – I am struggling too with the “ism” part of it, but I think you’re right that the “how” we’re learning is the learning. I love your concept map – it looks like you’re already well on your way. It has really helped me in the past to set goals, and to filter content. I try to read all of the readings, but then pick the blogs or discussions that really resonate with me. Good luck!
Your concept map looks great! I look forward to seeing it change and grow. I too enjoyed the recording of Elluminate today (Wednesdays are going to be intermittent for me). I have followed both Stephen and George for two years now and have been weaving connectivism into my teaching learning and research since.
I’m learning so much already in CCK11, and embrace what George said in Elluminate: “confusion is a good thing”….because it was followed by Stephen saying, ” this complexity was by design”.
Thank you for following my blog! I look forward to learning with you.
Well after speaking with George, it seems the beginning stages of my map are okay. I was concerned about continuing on this route, especially since I will be pursuing a credit for this course. However, it is a good start for an overall picture or concept of the course from my learning perspective. Where I’m placing connections and linking the material together.
I’ve changed the main titles a few times, again once today. Once I feel a little more comfortable with the layout I plan to share the developing map as we move through this course.
Tracy: Like the map and how it isn’t static, finished or the definitive word. I wonder if one of the weaknesses of conventional education is the insistence on (or necessity for) end points? As if the knowing of something had to stop in order for the knowing of something else to begin. Connections between subjects of study would make a mess of learning that fits a schedule.
Your observation “It’s amazing (and slightly sneaky) that what I’m learning about is how I’m learning about it.” Perfectly explained to me the idea of connectivism that so many of us struggle with. Again I wonder if we’ve been taught that the process of learning is detached from the learning itself in order to fit an institutional delivery model? Have to think about this and come up with an explanation of what I mean.
Brave person to take this course for credit. We need to develop a design for a Connectivism badge to sew on a backpack or ball cap. Diplomas are passe.
Scott Johnson
Tracy – i too was struck by your “It’s amazing (and slightly sneaky) that what I’m learning about is how I’m learning about it.” Maybe this has to do with the fact that we are learning about the theory of connectivism in a course that is being delivered using the same theory. Quite sensible and consistent but a bit mind blowing for some of us. At the moment it feels a bit like learning to drive a car at the same time as learning to be a driving instructor.