Unit Eight Reflective Paper
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This document discusses criticisms of connectivism from different perspectives. One criticism is that connectivism's focus on networks may cause learners to deny the importance of individual learning. However, it is possible to take advantage of networks while also learning individually. Another criticism is that existing learning theories are sufficient to explain how technology affects learning environments, though some believe new technologies require new theories. A third criticism is that rather than a new standalone theory, connectivism would be better as a model integrating existing theories to guide online learning design, though such a model could face contradictions.
Unit Eight Reflective Paper
- 1. Running Head: UNIT EIGHT 1 Unit Eight: Reflective Paper Connectivists Perspective Lauren Fowler-Carter University of Houston Clear Lake
- 2. UNIT EIGHT 2 Unit Eight: Reflective Paper Connectivists Perspective Criticisms that have been discussed about connectivism vary depending on ones perspective of the theory. Connectivism focuses on the power of networks, suggesting that learning is beneficial outside of their own self-learning. A criticism suggests that connectivism and the power of the network may begin to have a connectivist start to lose and deny the importance of the individual and the learning that occurs inside our heads (Connectivism, 2006). I do believe that this criticism is a valid suggestion of an issue towards connectivism, because this seems to be a plausible scenario that would happen to a connectivist. It is possible to take advantage of the power of the network, but also in addition, learn for one self through personal experiences. This criticism could also be tied into the connectivists personality, because naturally there are some personalities that feed off of others (i.e. networks, learning from others experiences). So I could see this type of personality potentially denying the learning that occurs in their own head. Critics, including Bill Kerr, believe that although technology does affect learning environments, existing learning theories are sufficient (Connectivism). This criticism is one that would depend on the persons perspective. Some people believe that the learning theories that have already been applied for many are sufficient, but there are others that believe the opposite. Critics also suggest that as education continuously changes and new technologies develop and become implemented, what is not needed is a new stand-alone theory for the digital age, but model that integrates the different theories to guide the design of online learning materials (Connectivism). This could be an arguable statement, because even if there was a model that integrated the different theories, basically creating a melting pot of theories, contradictions are bound to arise within the model.
- 3. UNIT EIGHT 3 References (2006, November 21st). Retrieved November 27, 2011, from Connectivism: http://www.connectivism.ca/?p=75 Connectivism. (n.d.). Retrieved November 27, 2011, from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Connectivism#Criticisms