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Practical Connectivism

University of Alaska FairbanksNovember 14, 2007

George Siemens

Learning Technologies Centrewww.umanitoba.ca/learning_technologies

Schools & universities:

ecologies for connections

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A potential approach?

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Certificate in Online and Blended Learning

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Participants

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Structured and self-directed

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Content and Ecologies

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Ecology & Conversation

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Content

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Connections

• Forming connections with experts outside of courses

• Learner-to-learner connections

• Connections to online communities/resources/journals/blogs

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How does evaluation occur?

• Demonstration of competence against established criteria

• Learner creativity• Multi-modal• Challenge: maintain authenticity by

traditional standards• Function of existing in the network

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The Complete Cycle

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Educator’s role

• Network administrator (Fisher)

• Atelier (JSB)

• Concierge (Bonk)

• Curator (Siemens)

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Learners role

• Way-finding

• Collaborative sensemaking

• Deep understanding

• Review, reflect, redesign

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Tools

• Distributed

• Connectable

• Permit learner voice

• Permit learner action (with, not for)

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How then does learning happen?

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The connection is sufficient

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Weak ties

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Small worlds

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Power laws

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Hubs

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Connectors

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Understanding: function of network