Rhizomatic learning
Rhizomatic learning... a different way to consider learning.
Both Cronin and Hegarty's definitions originate from a structured learning environment. Cormier (2018) takes the opposite approach in his work in professional learning, explaining that "A rhizome is capable of growing and spreading on its own... they follow their own paths." (see 17:14 - 20:08 in the video below).
Cormier's summation at the end of this video captures the premise of Rhizomatic learning nicely:
“the biggest challenge is to be able to learn what you don’t know you need to know, the only way to do that is to commit to learning inside of a community of people who care about the things you care about, find those mentors… find those people who can help you along the way, but not worry about where you are going.”
A learner who uses Joe Wicks "The Body Coach" resources can be viewed in this way; they want to be fitter and healthier and are looking for support to ask the right questions, not get the right answer. The learning and solutions are different for everyone.
Rhizomatic Learning as a Metaphor of our Educational development_Dave Cormier | UOC (2018) YouTube video, added by UOC – Universitat Oberta de Catalunya [Online]. Available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5khGN3A7EF4 (Accessed 2 January 2021).