Connectivism Mind Map

Networks have changed the way in which I learn in the quantity of information and the diversity of the places that I can access it from. Having instant access to all my social networks on a phone gives me instant access to the thoughts and knowledge of others. By maintaining groups and people that I value and interact with both socially and professionally I am able to filter the content and knowledge I want to be a part of. Professionally this has given me access to other colleagues and educators that are using the same tools and networks. Any answer I need for any topic is easily found or asked about. If it is something I cannot find there will be someone to tell me where to look.

The digital tools that best facilitate learning for me are the Walden discussion boards, blogs, and the wiki pages made by other educators. Whenever I have a question I can post it in a social network and check my phone for responses.  

Collaboration

Module 3 Blog Post Educ 7105

·         Do you believe that humans have a basic instinct to “interact and work as a group,” as Rheingold proposed in his discussion of the evolution of Wikipedia as a collectively developed encyclopedia? 

Humans have the instinct to work together as a group, however there are many factors that influence who and how well they work together. Competition in the workforce, politics, and across the globe is a major influential factor in causing people to socialize in certain ways. We group ourselves according to similar beliefs and what we want our social lives to be like. There is usually an underlying need or problem that needs to be solved by a group to bring them together.

·         How can technology facilitate collaboration among learners based on constructivist principles?   

Technology is not creating a new field of communication, we have always communicated socially and collaboratively. Technology is however making it easier, more accessible, faster, and all one person needs to reach a large social group is a cell phone. The constructivist principle of learning by example, such as Vygotsky is evident in this social communication.

·         Find a current research study that has been conducted in the last 5 years that supports collaboration as an effective tool for learning. Include the link and reference for this study in your blog.

The research study listed below describes IBM and the Beehive Social Network they have initiated to develop collaboration in the work place. This tool has used constructivist theory to initiate learning on the social level. The site has created over 280,000 social connections within the company and those connections have led to over 150,000 comments. This exchange of social knowledge and interaction is an effective way for technology to support learning.

http://www.knoll.com/research/downloads/WP_FiveTrends.pdf

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