As one can see in my mind map the learner is at the center of the connected networks constructing knowledge as she/he understands it. The mind map I constructed have three main locations on which knowledge is built. 1. The class 2. The Computer 3. Their Home environment. To begin with the teacher in the class will present the lesson concepts to the learner. The learner will connect with the teacher and lesson while networking with their classmates through threaded discussions and using books and designated web sites. The computer will connect the learner to the internet which will enable the learner to be exposed to data bases around the world on which to build their knowledge. The computer will also be used as a tool to facilitate collaboration with classmates and others. The third part of connections to aid the learner to build her/his knowledge is the home environment. The home environment consist of family, friends, associates, newspapers and magazines with prior knowledge of the content of the lesson. These concepts of the learner's network all come together and are used by the learner to construct the knowledge of the concepts presented in class. Jean Piaget's cognitive theory states that learning is an active process and related the the learner's environment and social interactions and with Stephen Downes and George Siemen's connectivist theory knowledge will be constructed by the learner.
Henry,
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting how you designate the computer as its own separate location for building knowledge, whereas I fall into the habit of viewing the computer as the main tool to connect to our "cyber-hubs". We cannot forget the networks that exist within our more personal face-to-face interactions. This is a good reminder that networks are not always purely digital. In fact, it is one of my pet peeves about workers in the corporate cubicles who fall into the habit of using digital communication with a colleague who is 30-feet away.
I think your future mind map will look a little bit differently with the class, magazine, and newspaper nodes coming off as children of the computer node. The connectivism theory is well portrayed in your graphic.
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