Week 8: Learning Networks II

Some knowledge is best presented by an expert on the topic at hand, whereas some knowledge is best attained through argumentation and discussion with various people. Web 2.0 knowledge, as described by Dede, includes not only factual information, but also non-academic topics of interest. One of the most intriguing points Dede made towards the end of this post was regarding recent significant trends in learning. He points out the fact that most learners are required, throughout their various careers over a single lifetime, to understand many different, possibly unrelated fields. I also appreciated the point he made regarding the importance of understanding where knowledge of specific topics can be found. As teachers, we must recognize the importance of teaching students how and where to find needed knowledge, regardless of the topic, and how to determine the validity of various knowledge sources.

Connectivism requires learners to recognize distinctions between different types of information, and it is based on the idea that new information is constantly being brought to light. Connectivism focuses on learning as being ever-continuous and making connections between knowledge.