3.2 Connectivism and Connected Learning

Beginning with an incredible conversation

Paolo Freire explores essential elements of what it means to be connected. As you view this video, jot down what adds meaning to your notion of being connected.

Be prepared to share your connecting thoughts about the importance of connecting for teachers who are media and digitally literate.

Understanding the theory and concepts of Connectivism
Theories of connected learning and the practice of teaching in connected spaces can change how educators experience and share learning.

Why Connected Learning?

Infographic

We'll take a closer look at this infographic to bring understanding to what it means to be a connected educator.
Why Connected Learning?
​six principles explored here

What happens when teachers connect?

This article [What Happens When Teachers Connect] shares some insights into what happens when educators become connected in their interests and passions for teaching and learning.
The Digital Media Lab Research Hub provides resources and links about connected teaching and learning. These FREE resources includes this paper about Teaching in a Connected Learning Classroom.

Padlet - connecting to principles of connected learning

Made with Padlet

Activity - How are you connected?

Let's map your connections and connected spaces. One framework for this is the Visitors and Residents model developed by Dave White to map out the ways individuals are connecting to others. We'll focus on your connected spaces for teaching and learning, personal and professional. This will help you examine your spaces and places for connectedness.

You can build more connections to this in a blog post as an individual exploration about your professional, connected spaces. This can become a beginning or early benchmark for your connected teaching practice.

Why is connecting important as a teacher?

Take some time to explore and build your connected personal learning network. Where do you start? What tools can you use? Who can you or should you connect to in Ontario Education?

How can using Twitter build your connectedness?

Twitter is about all the interesting things in life, from interesting people - including you. 
And it is the conversation, that emerges because of it, that makes it so exciting. (What the Heck is Twitter)
So what is Twitter and how can educators leverage this microblogging tool to their advantage as teachers and learners?

Use Dr. Camille Rutherford's Guide to Getting the Most out of Twitter for Teacher Candidate's and New Teachers as a starting point for your initiation into Twitter as a teacher. 

​Learn more about using the lingo and language from this Twitter Help- Glossary page. Also review the Getting Started with Twitter Help Page.
You can explore and experience some twitter connections by looking (lurking) at tweets, links and lists relating to @MDL4000 and using the hashtag #mdl4000 or #luosocial.
Next Tuesday we'll have a digital conversation with one connected educator in Ontario. Peter Cameron will share some thoughts and insights into why being a connected educator is essential in today's teaching environments. You can follow Peter on twitter @cherandpete
  
Explore Peter Cameron's blog site to determine:
  • Why is Peter Cameron a 'connectED' educator? 
  • How does his work as a connector impact his student's learning?
  • ​Where do connections change his professional practice?
References and Resources