Learning Activity 6-A-3
I agree with the argument made at the pro-connectivism wiki regarding connectivism and supporting our students. The author writes” The student doesn’t just look toward the teacher as the sole possessor and disseminator of knowledge anymore. The student must instead look his peers and the wide array of technological sources of knowledge. Knowledge in the technological era that we live in is far too fluid and changing to be able to possess all of it at once.” I agree with this. Why do students need to be full to the brin with content knowledge they could easily access? Why not be full to the brin with critical thinking skills like evaluation and synthesis? This country has a 1 out of 3 dropout rate. Why? Isn’t learning supposed to be enjoyable? I know this is a complex problem. I also believe that design can solve problems, especially simple design. What if teachers started a school year with a simple design of sharing the standards with students and having them use sound critical thinking skills and connected learning to build the course for the year with the teacher? Schools, like many social institutions, are generally security oriented not challenge oriented. This is what is appealing about connectivism. It is challenge oriented. It challenges teachers to think deeply about what they are doing. It challenges me to think critically about the things I am not doing well in terms of allowing students to connect with modern fluid sources of knwledge and research regarding my subject as guided by standards. Connectivism is risky, kids might stumble thru it for a while but the payoff is worth it. Students truly connecting with the content and skills needed to be successful and connecting with themselves as they gain confidence and make the learning their own. Thanks to the Pro-Connectivism wiki for sharing this vodcast. I love Common Craft videos so this was a real treat!
