Disconnected, Connecting, Connected

Published
by carlaarena
on 2008-09-12
in Collaboration, Connectivism, Learning, Network, Webheadsinaction, architecture of participation, edtechtalk, education, elearning, webheadsinaction and worldbridges
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Time, overwhelmed, overloaded, chaotic are some of the frequently used words in the Connectivism online session that has just started with Stephen Downes and George Siemens.
WashingtonDC_Day6 (28)Due to hurricane Ike and the need to evacuate from Key West, I was disconnected at first and enjoyed some quality time with my family. Then, I started connecting, reading things here and there. Now, I’m in full swing, interacting with some in the MOODLE forums, Facebook group and reading some interesting blog posts. Still a lot is needed for my synapses to make sense. So, here’s my take. I won’t complain about being overwhelmed, overloaded, time-constrained, I will take another direction. I’ll set two goals that I want to achieve during these weeks of Connectivism even with limited hours on my day.
My two main goals will be:
  • Get out of the comfort zone of my circles of friends and network, and connect to other participants’ ideas, reflections. I tend to stick to the Webheads, my dear ones, and I still can do it, but I’ll try to fit in other circles of like-minded educators.

  • Learn about learning and find ways to effectively apply what I apprehend from the Connectionist principles into my e-moderating practices. If possible, trying to adapt some of it to the Web Tools 4 Educators session which is just beginning.

    • With almost 2,000 participants in this open course, only by having an individual focus with attainable goals, will we have real chances of thriving and making the best out of this networked experience.
    PS: I love to observe how the connections are being made and the roles people take in such an open-ended approach of a course. Interesting to say the least.

    4 Responses to “Disconnected, Connecting, Connected”

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    • carlaarena
      2008-09-13 at 12:41 am

      Dear Vance,

      Just like you, I always go with the flow, and that’s why I guess I’ve been learning so much since I joined the Webheads. However, I felt that this time I needed to set something specific. Otherwise, I’d be even more hours in front of the computer than I am (and it’s a LOT!), and wouldn’t get things done, and things that need immediate attention, like the last details for an online session I start moderating on Monday for Brazilian educators. Yes, we flow with the water, but in a non-space with so many directions we need to choose one, or, at least, some.

      Thanks for the reminder. I’ll surely add my contribution to this incredible example of Connectivism!

    • Sarah Stewart
      2008-09-13 at 8:31 am

      I have a vague aim of wanting to learn more about connectivisim and learning theory in general. The main outcome for me is to be able to see why people do not engage with e-learning and use the theory to work with this in my roles as researcher & educator.

    • carlaarena
      2008-09-14 at 3:35 am

      Sarah, I really liked what you set as goals for this course. And would love to learn what your conclusions were. I’m mainly interested in learning what triggers lurkers to surface!!!

    • Sarah Stewart
      2008-09-15 at 10:38 am

      Looks like we have the same interests. I am wondering if people (in my context, health professionals) see learning as something they only do in F2F classrooms. It is very difficult to get them to engage with e-learning, especially if it is a voluntary activity. There has to be something in it for them ie PD points. Getting them to take control of their learning is the challenge, I think.

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