Continuous Learning and Keeping Up With Technology

      A learner is like a set of blocks that a person keeps building higher and higher.  Learning is constructive and rapidly changes everyday.  A learner must keep up with new technology in order to build their learning and grow new knowledge within themselves as an individual.  I watched two videos out of the list that was given to us in our LAI 590 course.  The two videos I chose were: The Changing Nature of Knowledge and The Impact of Social Software on Learning.  I also read the article titled, Connectivism: A Learning Theory for the Digital Age, by: George Siemens.  Altogether, the three of these resources really helped me realize how technology and social networking helps us develop new learning and that it is a continuous process.  As individuals, we must stay connected to one another via technology through social networking sites, blogs, wikis, etc. in order to develop new knowledge together to grow as individuals in a cognitive way.  We must stay connected with each other by being active participants in technology and socially.  

     From the videos and the article I completely agree with the author and his statements about the "Connectivism Theory".  From the article, Siemens stated, "Behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism are the three broad learning theories most often utilized in the creation of instructional environments. These theories, however, were developed in a time when learning was not impacted through technology."  I found this beginning quote to be very interesting because it draws the reader's attention on how one would like to learn more about these three theories as they continue to read through the entire article.  However, these three theories were developed during the time when technology was not yet fully developed.  Now, technology is rapidly growing, which can be supported when Siemens stated, "Over the last twenty years, technology has reorganized how we live, how we communicate, and how we learn."  It really has grown and developed in a rapid and changing way.  In addition to the article, the two videos that I watched also supported this idea of the "Connectivism Theory" and why it is important in today's society with learning.  The first video that I watched called, The Changing Nature of Knowledge represented an overview of how technology in today's society is constantly growing and changing.  With the nature of knowledge, learning grows and develops.  He used an example of talking about the first time he used a computer and how it is completely different than the computer he has today, and the types of technology we use on a daily basis.  He also discusses the notion of bringing together knowledge and connectivism.  He states in this video, “There are two components: 1.) Internal Neural Network and 2.) External Network.  The first is how the mind creates learning neutrally in a network.  The second component is more learner controlled and the connections the learner makes with other individuals. 

         

       The other video, The Impact of Social Software on Learning, Siemens discusses how technology correlates with making connections with other individuals.  As learners, we must always stay updated with the latest technology and learn new concepts everyday by forming networks with one another.  He also includes examples of what types of technology we can use to connect with one another such as, Facebook and Myspace.  Also, as learners in today's society, we enjoy conversations with one another and dialoging.  Talking to one another helps us grow in knowledge and understanding.  Technology is continuous and fast paced, so we must keep up with it and socially interact with our past, current, and new "friends or other individuals", in order to stay connected!  I really enjoyed reading the article by Siemens and viewing the two videos on this topic!