Week 5 Reflection

Week 5 introduced us to connectivism and adult learning. Adults are for the most part self-directed and intrinsically motivated to learn and further their education. A mind map of our personal learning network was required to be compared to connectivism. In past classes I have brainstormed and created hierarchy of needs and organizational charts, but the mind map was a new experience for me. 

According to Siemens, (2005), connectivism, is described as “new information is continually being acquired and the ability to draw distinctions between important and unimportant information is vital. Also critical is the ability to recognize when new information alters the landscape based on decisions made yesterday” (Siemens, 2005).  My personal learning network made it apparent that as Siemens, (2005) stated connectivism includes the principles that “learning and knowledge rest in a diversity of opinions” and “nurturing and maintaining connections is needed to facilitate continual learning”.

As our assignments this week reflected on the resources for adult learning, is becomes apparent that the adult learner has much experience to draw upon and that network expands with each link the adult learner comes in contact with. Siemens, (2005) states that “learning is a process of connecting specialized nodes or information sources” and that “learning may reside in non-human appliances”.  As technology becomes more a part of our lives, the ability to connect or link with others is much easier.  I use Google daily and bookmark blogs, journals, and specific articles to enhance my learning and connect me with whatever I may need.

Reference

Siemens, G. (2005, January). Connectivism: A learning theory for the digital age. International Journal of Instructional Technology & Distance Learning, Retrieved November 30, 2012, from http://www.itdl.org/Journal/Jan_05/article01.htm