[…] some conversation questions. A copy of her Prezi is embedded below. We’ll use Melissa’s blog as the hub for our conversation this week, but, as always, feel free to use Twitter to share and […]
Misty Green
4:11 pm - 11-29-2010
How are communities of learning the same or different in comparison to connectivism?
I think communities of learning relative to college level education are similar to connectivism in that new information is recognized, researched and discussed. Also in my experience teachers foster learning outside ourselves, through new development and engagement in a variety of new experiences/tools, which is meant to promote the learner making those ‘connections’ between the learner material and what may or may not be important. In a k-12 setting, I am not sure this level of vested interest is always the same, which may make age appropriate sense depending on who you talk too. I think in k-12 settings the focus is still primarily on students collecting information, not necessarily making connections to the information they receive.
In college environments, reasoning and experiences are fostered and it is encouraged to know “where to get” information we seek. Continual learning is a regular school of thought, if you will.
Do you believe connectivism and the abundance of information has stifled or nurtured creativity and inventiveness. Explain.
I believe connectivism is a culmination of knowledge obtained learning outside self, making connections through reasoning and experiences, which does help to nurture the creative soul. For me sometimes when I make a connection it is like a new discovery of the same information, but in a different way. When I see it in a different light, it will often open new ideas and cultivate fresh avenues to explore. I think in the long run and big picture the abundance of information is a good thing, but the ability to know where or how to find it may be the challenge at times. Every semester of college I have learned of at least one new resource or link of information I did not previously know about. I think the problem comes up with how can one possibly keep up with the abundance of information. I think real-time search engines and resources, like Google and Topsy can be helpful in this instance.
mpartin
8:57 pm - 11-29-2010
Misty, I agree that learning at the college level is closer to a community of learning than learning at the k12 level. However, I believe a shift in learning and teaching toward a self directed and interactive learning environment is necessary to keep students engaged and to empower them in their own learning environments.
I have especially noticed a difference in learning and teaching since entering graduate school and I too have learned about tons of new resources and links. With PLE’s, the web, and connectivism self directed learning is sure to play a role in the future of education.
Ginnette Clark
11:35 am - 11-30-2010
1. How are communities of learning the same or different in comparison to connectivism?
Connectivism is at the heart of prior knowledge and the application of that knowledge. Communities of learning are similar to connectivism in that is deals with learning in any number of formats. I could be by extending the classroom into the community or bringing personnel into the school from the community to enhance the curriculum. Communities of learning apply to professional learning environments as well. Connectivism (at least the way I understand it) is simply drawing from all sources to enhance the learning experience. I believe that communities of learning do a similar thing.
2. Do you believe connectivism and the abundance of information has stifled or nurtured creativity and inventiveness. Explain.
I believe that connectivism and the abundance of information has nurtured out need to learn. We hear, read or experience something new and can access the Internet to learn as much as possible about whatever topic is of interest to us. Connectivism is mainly derived as a result of the digital age. We can now have access to anything we need or want to know.
mpartin
12:16 pm - 11-30-2010
Ginette,
I agree with you that connectivism is derived as a result from the digital age. Maybe the only difference between connectivism and communities of learning is the scale. At this point our network is so large and information is so abundant it is impossible to understand and remember everything.
I’m pleased to see the topic of connectivism in professional learning environments come up here. I’ve noticed in the last few years a raft of new products coming out that offer social networking-like features (e.g. Atlassian’s Confluence, SocialText, etc.) for corporate environments (with varying degrees of support for networking/collaborating with people outside the company or organization.)
I’d be curious to know whether any of you have worked in an organization where these or similar tools have been deployed. If so, have you noticed whether their use has motivated any shifts in how the organization approaches “professional development,” “corporate training,” or “HRD?” Specifically, has there been any noticeable shift away from traditional, event-based “training” and toward greater emphasis on peer-to-peer knowledge sharing and informal mentoring?
(Wes, have you stumbled across anything on this as you’ve worked on your project?)
I thought it might be helpful as you think about the ideas presented in this week’s readings in relation to other theories and models from earlier in the semester.
Rachel
3:21 pm - 12-1-2010
1. How are communities of learning the same or different in comparison to connectivism?
I think that communities of learning are very similar to the connectivism theory. “Learning can occur outside ourselves” and “Today’s learning is about making connections” principles are the same as in a learning community. Like Misty mentioned previously, this may not apply in learning for a younger group; however, they may still be differentiating important from unimportant information as the theory suggests.
2. Do you believe connectivism and the abundance of information has stifled or nurtured creativity and inventiveness. Explain.
I don’t think that abundance of information has stifled creativity. Having all this information at our fingertips gives us the opportunity to create connections and be creative in our applications of the information or content.
Ian
4:00 pm - 12-1-2010
I think that Rachel makes a good point about creativity in regards to the abundance of information when she said,
“Having all this information at our fingertips gives us the opportunity to create connections and be creative in our applications of the information or content.”
I completely agree with this line of thinking. I would actually go on to say that this new learning climate has allowed for another outlet for creativity. I am talking about finding creative ways of combining multiple ideas or technologies into something with a new purpose. Take Mashups for example, they are prime examples of people finding creative ways of combining multiple different web features to produce something that accomplishes a task that none of the individual features could on their own.
So I would have to say that creativity is not stifled by the abundance of technology, but rather, the abundance offers new inspiration for the creative mind.
mpartin
5:02 pm - 12-1-2010
Rachel and Ian have good points about how the abundance of information offers inspiration to the creative mind and new technology has given us access to a blank canvas in which we can be inventive and creative.
In response to Eric’s question about observing connectivism in our organizations. My experience is in education, but we have added twitter, linked in, facebook, and a live chat window to our students services in the last month. We have also added a wiki within the college to share documents and information.
Frank
8:27 pm - 12-1-2010
1. How are communities of learning the same or different in comparison to Connectivism?
We need to accept Karen Stephenson’s “quantum theory of trust” which “explains not just how to recognize the collective cognitive capability of an organization, but how to cultivate and increase it”. Connectivism is social networks, whereas hubs are well-connected people (community) who are able to foster and maintain knowledge flow. A liken to study groups/teams with individuals of similar caliber. Similarities emerge from interdependence resulting in effective knowledge flow, enabling similarity among communities of learning in reference to Connectivism activities organizationally.
2. Do you believe Connectivism and the abundance of information has stifled or nurtured creativity and inventiveness. Explain your answer.
It depends upon variables existing within one’s environment. Connectivism evolves from the understanding that decisions find basis on dynamic fundamentals. We continually access new information as part of knowledge acquisition. Critical thinking, one’s ability to draw distinctions between important and unimportant information, is vital. The ability to recognize when new information alters the setting with a basis on prior decisions is also critical. One’s ability to envision connections between fields, ideas, and concepts is a core skill. Therefore, because Connectivism is dynamic, a correct answer now may be wrong tomorrow due to alterations in the information climate affecting the decision. Hence, dynamic variables provide a challenge for a critical thinker.
Breanna
10:31 pm - 12-1-2010
Ian, say it with me now – CONNECTIVISM!
How are communities of learning the same or different in comparison to connectivism?
I would like to think that many learning communities, whether professional or educational, are beginning to take notice of the newer ways of thinking and gathering information, though perhaps very gradually. I do agree that higher education may be one of the frontrunners of taking on a more connectvistic approach. However, I feel that as technology continues to grow and become a force that can no longer be easily put aside, the ideas of connectivism will grow and flourish more in a variety of learning environments.
Do you believe connectivism and the abundance of information has stifled or nurtured creativity and inventiveness. Explain.
I absolutely believe that it has only nourished creativity. This connectedness has brought about a situation where people can share ideas, collaborate, and gather so much information. I feel like there are so many incredible things being created each day that just blow me away. Ian brought up a great example of mash-ups and how people are really producing great things by bringing ideas together. Yochai Benkler has a book called “The Wealth of Networks”, which can be downloaded for free online. In this particular book, he talks about the social economy and discusses some of the great things that people have done in this networked world in which we live. He brings up a lot about open source software and even about Wikipedia and how that is this giant, collaborated, chaotic network has become one of the greatest pools of information that we have available. It is really an interesting read and definitely the most riveting economic book that I’ve read.
Matt Mieure
11:56 pm - 12-1-2010
How are communities of learning the same or different in comparison to connectivism?
I believe that communities of learning are a spin-off of the idea of connectivism. In a sense, they have many of the same foundations such as networks and “the pipe being more important than the content within the pipe.”
It seems that there is a lot of overlap between the two and it appears to be an emerging theory of learning. I see connectivism as a bold new take on learning and knowledge. In many ways I embrace what it contends, and in some ways I don’t. However, I do believe that communities of learning and connectivism are driving in the same direction.
Do you believe connectivism and the abundance of information has stifled or nurtured creativity and inventiveness. Explain.
My answer is both. The reason that I would say both is that I believe it depends on the context of the situation. In other words, can the abundance of information nurture creativity and inveniveness: Yes, will it always, no. I really believe that a parallel to this argument is somewhat like what the internet has done for music. On one hand, the internet has allowed many bands and performers to more easily get their product out in the open. They can post songs and videos anywhere on the internet to be seen by anyone. Is this a good thing? Yes, for the band that is trying to sell records or get noticed. But I also think you have to consider the consumer, yes we have a bigger choice and can investigate more types and styles of music, however on the other hand it is just too much to handle. It’s a numbers game. Actually this question was asked of the singer of one of my favorite bands, and to this day I believe he gave the perfect answer. He was asked if the internet is good or bad for the music industry, and he answered, the internet has given a lot of deserving bands a chance that they would not have gotten otherwise, but it has also given just as many undeserving bands undeserved attention. Another point on this note, is that I always got a kick out of the Weezer music video “Pork and Beans.” I’m sure web people didn’t appreciate it, however I can see where they were coming from. They basically were making fun of you tube and how all of these crazy inventions that were posted i.e, the peanut butter jelly time video, or the mentos exploding, were truely undeserving of trillions of hits. I guess I would agree.
So anyways, BOTH!
I definitely agree that when countries/communities/organizations adopt technologies that make it faster, easier, and cheaper to share ideas, they tend to become more creative. (Think back to our reading from Barab and Plucker on “smart people or smart contexts?”)
This is especially true if you’re a person who views curating and remixing content as creative acts when the end result is shared.
The one potential drawback of the explosion of media, though, that I see at the individual level is that, with so many interesting things to see/read/hear, it may require more self-discipline now to step away from consuming content to give ourselves time to create it as well.
Overall, I’m actually optimistic about social media’s influence on creativity, though. I think that, when people get authentic feedback on what they create, it often motivates them to create more and to be more reflective about their creative work. Tools that make it easy for us to share what we make and get feedback, then, are likely to encourage greater creative output. For example, how many people were investing serious time in creating and editing their own films and videos before YouTube? Doesn’t it seem like a lot more people are serious about photography now than before we had Flickr and Facebook?
The wiki includes links for accessing the book in a variety of formats.
Frank
8:21 am - 12-2-2010
Thank you for the information concerning Yochai Benkler has a book called “The Wealth of Networks.” I was able to download the free PDF format.
Dr. Calvert’s point, “it may require more self-discipline now to step away from consuming content to give ourselves time to create it as well” requries another important element – ‘Critical Thinking’. Information overload requries serious personal management capabilities and skills that incorporate tools to manage content. However, without critical thinking ability, we are left with data disregarding informational content.
Aaron Carpenter
9:46 am - 12-2-2010
There are many parallels between the two. Both have the same goals of knowledge transference and fostering creativity among the parties involved. I agree with the sentiments that higher education is on the frontline of using connectivistic ideas, but as others have pointed out, the rest of the world is rapidly using the same technologies. Of course, the new solutions being created now will still be tested in places such as university labs and backyard garages before they are ready to go mainstream.
Breanna, thanks for the book link! I downloaded the pdf as well. Examples like this show that the Connectivism ideas are helping to nurture the creative impulses of people all around the world. That book being available might spark an idea in a young reader, who will go on to create the next big thing. Who knows. The point is that the information is out there and is someone has the will to learn there are very few boundaries to keep someone from discovering new knowledge.
mpartin
10:33 am - 12-2-2010
The wealth of networks both social and learning have propelled us into a level of learning that blows my mind. Even if you do consider connectivism a form of social networking, communities of learning took place in social events in the past. For example as women sat around making quilts, weaving baskets, making utensils there was a community of learning as well as social networking. The problem was if you weren’t there to hear the stories, or no one was there to write it down, the lessons were lost. People are generous with their knowledge and todays technology has expanded that community of learning from a few to millions. Its just so cool.
On Eric’s point, I agree that at some point we have to force ourselve to stop consuming information and start creating. Educators will play an important role as technology continues to influence the way students learn. Instead of providing students with information, they will need to teach students how to find, filter, and validate the information they find, as well as developing projects that will develop their critical, creative and inventive skills.
Sharon Shaffer
8:10 pm - 12-5-2010
LRND 6820
Discussion Questions: Connectivism
Sharon Shaffer
1. How are communities of learning the same or different in comparison to connectivism? There are a few of each, I suppose. Connectivism resembles a learning community because being connected to the material and each other within the organization is essential to both. A cyclical type process is also imperative to each and the information flows from individual to/through a network to the organization and around again. A person’s network is the connective piece through which information is sent and received and the organization is a link in this consecutiveness. At times the organization initiates the information; it flows through the network to the individual. Other times the individual has personal knowledge that flows through their network to the organization. Differences are unique based on the type of learning community. I agree with Misty as well with regards to college level vs. K-12. The K-12 world still looks at the learner as something to be acted upon rather than involved in their learning. I was quite unpopular when I suggested that students have a say in their own learning.
2. Do you believe connectivism and the abundance of information has stifled or nurtured creativity and inventiveness. Explain your answer. I think this question can be viewed differently by different groups; kind of like “Is the glass half full or half empty?” I am a half full kind of person. I think the progress and processes listed have nurtured and enhanced creativity and inventiveness. So many more options are available for outlets to creativity. The instant gratification -nature of technology feeds those who create and wish immediate feedback or publication. “Know-how and know-what is being supplemented with know-where (the understanding of where to find knowledge needed).” This is not the first place I have hear this particular point of view, and I have adopted it as one of my many mantra’s when all the technology-phobic start bashing the progress being made. Many of the processes previously handled by learning theories (especially in cognitive information processing) can now be off-loaded to, or supported by, technology” this idea is also one that I have heard/read several versions of. Another take on it suggests that there has been a shift in what we know and what we need to know towards higher level thinking skills and greater problem/process skills. For example, we need fewer ditch diggers because there is equipment that can do the work of many men. But rather than put many men out of work; we need them to have greater skill and knowledge to operate, maintain, repair and create the machine. A few years ago, I told my 7th grade students that before they graduated from high school, one would need an associate’s degree to work at McDonald’s. We don’t need humans to flip the burgers, take the money or pour the drinks. But we will need skilled and knowledgeable people to keep the equipment operating. So technology is forcing us to shift our work force towards more educated and knowledgeable workers. What does this have to do with creativity? Just as technology takes the burden of lower level tasks, it also pushes the level of creativity and inventiveness by making more options available, bringing competition closer (an ever shrinking world) and immediate feedback.
Wesley
1:46 am - 12-6-2010
I’m a little late jumping in on this, but I still figured I’d contribute.
There were a lot of good points brought up in this discussion, and it was a great reading (again).
I agree with Bre that communities of learning are evolving their ways of acquiring information and thinking in new ways. It’s been years in the making, but it is obvious people are becoming more proactive towards learning and striving for bigger and better ways to educate and be educated.
I think that the abundance of information allows people to be more creative than ever. With new tools to use and platforms to collaborate with others, I think everyone is learning to use the right side of their brain a little more often.
Eric brings up a good point about self-discipline and not getting distracted by all of the new media, but I think it can all be managed by finding a method of sorting all of the information in a useful way…. aka, a PLE =)
There were a lot of good points brought up in this discussion, and it was a great reading Knowing Knowledge by Siemens. I think the whole class had a lot to contribute, and it seemed like the majority of us agreed on the discussion questions. Breanna…
This is an area on your website where you can add text. This will serve as an informative location on your website, where you can talk about your site.
11:26 am - 11-29-2010
[…] some conversation questions. A copy of her Prezi is embedded below. We’ll use Melissa’s blog as the hub for our conversation this week, but, as always, feel free to use Twitter to share and […]
4:11 pm - 11-29-2010
How are communities of learning the same or different in comparison to connectivism?
I think communities of learning relative to college level education are similar to connectivism in that new information is recognized, researched and discussed. Also in my experience teachers foster learning outside ourselves, through new development and engagement in a variety of new experiences/tools, which is meant to promote the learner making those ‘connections’ between the learner material and what may or may not be important. In a k-12 setting, I am not sure this level of vested interest is always the same, which may make age appropriate sense depending on who you talk too. I think in k-12 settings the focus is still primarily on students collecting information, not necessarily making connections to the information they receive.
In college environments, reasoning and experiences are fostered and it is encouraged to know “where to get” information we seek. Continual learning is a regular school of thought, if you will.
Do you believe connectivism and the abundance of information has stifled or nurtured creativity and inventiveness. Explain.
I believe connectivism is a culmination of knowledge obtained learning outside self, making connections through reasoning and experiences, which does help to nurture the creative soul. For me sometimes when I make a connection it is like a new discovery of the same information, but in a different way. When I see it in a different light, it will often open new ideas and cultivate fresh avenues to explore. I think in the long run and big picture the abundance of information is a good thing, but the ability to know where or how to find it may be the challenge at times. Every semester of college I have learned of at least one new resource or link of information I did not previously know about. I think the problem comes up with how can one possibly keep up with the abundance of information. I think real-time search engines and resources, like Google and Topsy can be helpful in this instance.
8:57 pm - 11-29-2010
Misty, I agree that learning at the college level is closer to a community of learning than learning at the k12 level. However, I believe a shift in learning and teaching toward a self directed and interactive learning environment is necessary to keep students engaged and to empower them in their own learning environments.
I have especially noticed a difference in learning and teaching since entering graduate school and I too have learned about tons of new resources and links. With PLE’s, the web, and connectivism self directed learning is sure to play a role in the future of education.
11:35 am - 11-30-2010
1. How are communities of learning the same or different in comparison to connectivism?
Connectivism is at the heart of prior knowledge and the application of that knowledge. Communities of learning are similar to connectivism in that is deals with learning in any number of formats. I could be by extending the classroom into the community or bringing personnel into the school from the community to enhance the curriculum. Communities of learning apply to professional learning environments as well. Connectivism (at least the way I understand it) is simply drawing from all sources to enhance the learning experience. I believe that communities of learning do a similar thing.
2. Do you believe connectivism and the abundance of information has stifled or nurtured creativity and inventiveness. Explain.
I believe that connectivism and the abundance of information has nurtured out need to learn. We hear, read or experience something new and can access the Internet to learn as much as possible about whatever topic is of interest to us. Connectivism is mainly derived as a result of the digital age. We can now have access to anything we need or want to know.
12:16 pm - 11-30-2010
Ginette,
I agree with you that connectivism is derived as a result from the digital age. Maybe the only difference between connectivism and communities of learning is the scale. At this point our network is so large and information is so abundant it is impossible to understand and remember everything.
7:08 pm - 11-30-2010
I’m pleased to see the topic of connectivism in professional learning environments come up here. I’ve noticed in the last few years a raft of new products coming out that offer social networking-like features (e.g. Atlassian’s Confluence, SocialText, etc.) for corporate environments (with varying degrees of support for networking/collaborating with people outside the company or organization.)
I’d be curious to know whether any of you have worked in an organization where these or similar tools have been deployed. If so, have you noticed whether their use has motivated any shifts in how the organization approaches “professional development,” “corporate training,” or “HRD?” Specifically, has there been any noticeable shift away from traditional, event-based “training” and toward greater emphasis on peer-to-peer knowledge sharing and informal mentoring?
(Wes, have you stumbled across anything on this as you’ve worked on your project?)
2:53 pm - 12-1-2010
I came across this brief comparison by George Siemens of connectivism with other learning theories this afternoon:
https://docs.google.com/Doc?id=anw8wkk6fjc_14gpbqc2dt
I thought it might be helpful as you think about the ideas presented in this week’s readings in relation to other theories and models from earlier in the semester.
3:21 pm - 12-1-2010
1. How are communities of learning the same or different in comparison to connectivism?
I think that communities of learning are very similar to the connectivism theory. “Learning can occur outside ourselves” and “Today’s learning is about making connections” principles are the same as in a learning community. Like Misty mentioned previously, this may not apply in learning for a younger group; however, they may still be differentiating important from unimportant information as the theory suggests.
2. Do you believe connectivism and the abundance of information has stifled or nurtured creativity and inventiveness. Explain.
I don’t think that abundance of information has stifled creativity. Having all this information at our fingertips gives us the opportunity to create connections and be creative in our applications of the information or content.
4:00 pm - 12-1-2010
I think that Rachel makes a good point about creativity in regards to the abundance of information when she said,
“Having all this information at our fingertips gives us the opportunity to create connections and be creative in our applications of the information or content.”
I completely agree with this line of thinking. I would actually go on to say that this new learning climate has allowed for another outlet for creativity. I am talking about finding creative ways of combining multiple ideas or technologies into something with a new purpose. Take Mashups for example, they are prime examples of people finding creative ways of combining multiple different web features to produce something that accomplishes a task that none of the individual features could on their own.
So I would have to say that creativity is not stifled by the abundance of technology, but rather, the abundance offers new inspiration for the creative mind.
5:02 pm - 12-1-2010
Rachel and Ian have good points about how the abundance of information offers inspiration to the creative mind and new technology has given us access to a blank canvas in which we can be inventive and creative.
In response to Eric’s question about observing connectivism in our organizations. My experience is in education, but we have added twitter, linked in, facebook, and a live chat window to our students services in the last month. We have also added a wiki within the college to share documents and information.
8:27 pm - 12-1-2010
1. How are communities of learning the same or different in comparison to Connectivism?
We need to accept Karen Stephenson’s “quantum theory of trust” which “explains not just how to recognize the collective cognitive capability of an organization, but how to cultivate and increase it”. Connectivism is social networks, whereas hubs are well-connected people (community) who are able to foster and maintain knowledge flow. A liken to study groups/teams with individuals of similar caliber. Similarities emerge from interdependence resulting in effective knowledge flow, enabling similarity among communities of learning in reference to Connectivism activities organizationally.
2. Do you believe Connectivism and the abundance of information has stifled or nurtured creativity and inventiveness. Explain your answer.
It depends upon variables existing within one’s environment. Connectivism evolves from the understanding that decisions find basis on dynamic fundamentals. We continually access new information as part of knowledge acquisition. Critical thinking, one’s ability to draw distinctions between important and unimportant information, is vital. The ability to recognize when new information alters the setting with a basis on prior decisions is also critical. One’s ability to envision connections between fields, ideas, and concepts is a core skill. Therefore, because Connectivism is dynamic, a correct answer now may be wrong tomorrow due to alterations in the information climate affecting the decision. Hence, dynamic variables provide a challenge for a critical thinker.
10:31 pm - 12-1-2010
Ian, say it with me now – CONNECTIVISM!
How are communities of learning the same or different in comparison to connectivism?
I would like to think that many learning communities, whether professional or educational, are beginning to take notice of the newer ways of thinking and gathering information, though perhaps very gradually. I do agree that higher education may be one of the frontrunners of taking on a more connectvistic approach. However, I feel that as technology continues to grow and become a force that can no longer be easily put aside, the ideas of connectivism will grow and flourish more in a variety of learning environments.
Do you believe connectivism and the abundance of information has stifled or nurtured creativity and inventiveness. Explain.
I absolutely believe that it has only nourished creativity. This connectedness has brought about a situation where people can share ideas, collaborate, and gather so much information. I feel like there are so many incredible things being created each day that just blow me away. Ian brought up a great example of mash-ups and how people are really producing great things by bringing ideas together. Yochai Benkler has a book called “The Wealth of Networks”, which can be downloaded for free online. In this particular book, he talks about the social economy and discusses some of the great things that people have done in this networked world in which we live. He brings up a lot about open source software and even about Wikipedia and how that is this giant, collaborated, chaotic network has become one of the greatest pools of information that we have available. It is really an interesting read and definitely the most riveting economic book that I’ve read.
11:56 pm - 12-1-2010
How are communities of learning the same or different in comparison to connectivism?
I believe that communities of learning are a spin-off of the idea of connectivism. In a sense, they have many of the same foundations such as networks and “the pipe being more important than the content within the pipe.”
It seems that there is a lot of overlap between the two and it appears to be an emerging theory of learning. I see connectivism as a bold new take on learning and knowledge. In many ways I embrace what it contends, and in some ways I don’t. However, I do believe that communities of learning and connectivism are driving in the same direction.
Do you believe connectivism and the abundance of information has stifled or nurtured creativity and inventiveness. Explain.
My answer is both. The reason that I would say both is that I believe it depends on the context of the situation. In other words, can the abundance of information nurture creativity and inveniveness: Yes, will it always, no. I really believe that a parallel to this argument is somewhat like what the internet has done for music. On one hand, the internet has allowed many bands and performers to more easily get their product out in the open. They can post songs and videos anywhere on the internet to be seen by anyone. Is this a good thing? Yes, for the band that is trying to sell records or get noticed. But I also think you have to consider the consumer, yes we have a bigger choice and can investigate more types and styles of music, however on the other hand it is just too much to handle. It’s a numbers game. Actually this question was asked of the singer of one of my favorite bands, and to this day I believe he gave the perfect answer. He was asked if the internet is good or bad for the music industry, and he answered, the internet has given a lot of deserving bands a chance that they would not have gotten otherwise, but it has also given just as many undeserving bands undeserved attention. Another point on this note, is that I always got a kick out of the Weezer music video “Pork and Beans.” I’m sure web people didn’t appreciate it, however I can see where they were coming from. They basically were making fun of you tube and how all of these crazy inventions that were posted i.e, the peanut butter jelly time video, or the mentos exploding, were truely undeserving of trillions of hits. I guess I would agree.
So anyways, BOTH!
11:56 pm - 12-1-2010
I definitely agree that when countries/communities/organizations adopt technologies that make it faster, easier, and cheaper to share ideas, they tend to become more creative. (Think back to our reading from Barab and Plucker on “smart people or smart contexts?”)
This is especially true if you’re a person who views curating and remixing content as creative acts when the end result is shared.
The one potential drawback of the explosion of media, though, that I see at the individual level is that, with so many interesting things to see/read/hear, it may require more self-discipline now to step away from consuming content to give ourselves time to create it as well.
Overall, I’m actually optimistic about social media’s influence on creativity, though. I think that, when people get authentic feedback on what they create, it often motivates them to create more and to be more reflective about their creative work. Tools that make it easy for us to share what we make and get feedback, then, are likely to encourage greater creative output. For example, how many people were investing serious time in creating and editing their own films and videos before YouTube? Doesn’t it seem like a lot more people are serious about photography now than before we had Flickr and Facebook?
Anyway, thanks for the book tip, Breanna. If anybody else is interested, I found a wiki on it here: http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/wealth_of_networks/Main_Page#Read_the_book
The wiki includes links for accessing the book in a variety of formats.
8:21 am - 12-2-2010
Thank you for the information concerning Yochai Benkler has a book called “The Wealth of Networks.” I was able to download the free PDF format.
Dr. Calvert’s point, “it may require more self-discipline now to step away from consuming content to give ourselves time to create it as well” requries another important element – ‘Critical Thinking’. Information overload requries serious personal management capabilities and skills that incorporate tools to manage content. However, without critical thinking ability, we are left with data disregarding informational content.
9:46 am - 12-2-2010
There are many parallels between the two. Both have the same goals of knowledge transference and fostering creativity among the parties involved. I agree with the sentiments that higher education is on the frontline of using connectivistic ideas, but as others have pointed out, the rest of the world is rapidly using the same technologies. Of course, the new solutions being created now will still be tested in places such as university labs and backyard garages before they are ready to go mainstream.
Breanna, thanks for the book link! I downloaded the pdf as well. Examples like this show that the Connectivism ideas are helping to nurture the creative impulses of people all around the world. That book being available might spark an idea in a young reader, who will go on to create the next big thing. Who knows. The point is that the information is out there and is someone has the will to learn there are very few boundaries to keep someone from discovering new knowledge.
10:33 am - 12-2-2010
The wealth of networks both social and learning have propelled us into a level of learning that blows my mind. Even if you do consider connectivism a form of social networking, communities of learning took place in social events in the past. For example as women sat around making quilts, weaving baskets, making utensils there was a community of learning as well as social networking. The problem was if you weren’t there to hear the stories, or no one was there to write it down, the lessons were lost. People are generous with their knowledge and todays technology has expanded that community of learning from a few to millions. Its just so cool.
On Eric’s point, I agree that at some point we have to force ourselve to stop consuming information and start creating. Educators will play an important role as technology continues to influence the way students learn. Instead of providing students with information, they will need to teach students how to find, filter, and validate the information they find, as well as developing projects that will develop their critical, creative and inventive skills.
8:10 pm - 12-5-2010
LRND 6820
Discussion Questions: Connectivism
Sharon Shaffer
1. How are communities of learning the same or different in comparison to connectivism? There are a few of each, I suppose. Connectivism resembles a learning community because being connected to the material and each other within the organization is essential to both. A cyclical type process is also imperative to each and the information flows from individual to/through a network to the organization and around again. A person’s network is the connective piece through which information is sent and received and the organization is a link in this consecutiveness. At times the organization initiates the information; it flows through the network to the individual. Other times the individual has personal knowledge that flows through their network to the organization. Differences are unique based on the type of learning community. I agree with Misty as well with regards to college level vs. K-12. The K-12 world still looks at the learner as something to be acted upon rather than involved in their learning. I was quite unpopular when I suggested that students have a say in their own learning.
2. Do you believe connectivism and the abundance of information has stifled or nurtured creativity and inventiveness. Explain your answer. I think this question can be viewed differently by different groups; kind of like “Is the glass half full or half empty?” I am a half full kind of person. I think the progress and processes listed have nurtured and enhanced creativity and inventiveness. So many more options are available for outlets to creativity. The instant gratification -nature of technology feeds those who create and wish immediate feedback or publication. “Know-how and know-what is being supplemented with know-where (the understanding of where to find knowledge needed).” This is not the first place I have hear this particular point of view, and I have adopted it as one of my many mantra’s when all the technology-phobic start bashing the progress being made. Many of the processes previously handled by learning theories (especially in cognitive information processing) can now be off-loaded to, or supported by, technology” this idea is also one that I have heard/read several versions of. Another take on it suggests that there has been a shift in what we know and what we need to know towards higher level thinking skills and greater problem/process skills. For example, we need fewer ditch diggers because there is equipment that can do the work of many men. But rather than put many men out of work; we need them to have greater skill and knowledge to operate, maintain, repair and create the machine. A few years ago, I told my 7th grade students that before they graduated from high school, one would need an associate’s degree to work at McDonald’s. We don’t need humans to flip the burgers, take the money or pour the drinks. But we will need skilled and knowledgeable people to keep the equipment operating. So technology is forcing us to shift our work force towards more educated and knowledgeable workers. What does this have to do with creativity? Just as technology takes the burden of lower level tasks, it also pushes the level of creativity and inventiveness by making more options available, bringing competition closer (an ever shrinking world) and immediate feedback.
1:46 am - 12-6-2010
I’m a little late jumping in on this, but I still figured I’d contribute.
There were a lot of good points brought up in this discussion, and it was a great reading (again).
I agree with Bre that communities of learning are evolving their ways of acquiring information and thinking in new ways. It’s been years in the making, but it is obvious people are becoming more proactive towards learning and striving for bigger and better ways to educate and be educated.
I think that the abundance of information allows people to be more creative than ever. With new tools to use and platforms to collaborate with others, I think everyone is learning to use the right side of their brain a little more often.
Eric brings up a good point about self-discipline and not getting distracted by all of the new media, but I think it can all be managed by finding a method of sorting all of the information in a useful way…. aka, a PLE =)
1:56 am - 12-6-2010
LRND6820: Knowing Knowledge – George Siemens…
There were a lot of good points brought up in this discussion, and it was a great reading Knowing Knowledge by Siemens. I think the whole class had a lot to contribute, and it seemed like the majority of us agreed on the discussion questions. Breanna…