Connectivism
Connectivism occurs when learner’s knowledge is actuated through the process of a learner connected to a learning community where they are interacting, sharing ideas, and thinking together. The concept of “nodes” and “networks” are an essential part of the success of a connectivism learning opportunity. Nodes is referred to as a learning community whereas networks refer to more than one node. Learning occurs when students are able to network with others in a social and technological enhanced environment (Siemens, 2009). When the network of people are diverse and committed, the learning increases. The key is for students to be able to use their nodes and networks to see the connections between fields, ideas, and concepts of their learning.
As we observed the learning of our students in our project, it became very evident that students needed their learning community to acquire new skills. Their initial “node” or learning community was their face to face peers. They worked together drawing on each other’s skills and understandings to overcome obstacles and try to create something new. From here, their nodes expanded to other classrooms and other age groups. Enhanced online resources such as Youtube videos, online tutorials and twitter have become their network. Other community members, parents and division members also became part of their learning environment. As our students are expanding their coding skills, the “silos” have disappeared. They are no longer worked individually. They are reaching out face to face and online to share their learning journey. The same can be said for the team leaders and classroom teachers. We are all reaching out and connecting to other networks to increase our skills and understanding of coding.