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The Daily
October 14, 2008
Highlighted Resources
Toward a New Knowledge Society
As we begin this unit on chaos and complexity I would like to introduce readers to a presentation I gave last year. It doesn't focus on chaos and complexity in particular, but it does address the theme as it relates to the wider questions of networking and online learning.
There's also audio. For those who have no background in chaos theory, this brief introduction linked from the slide show may be of use. Stephen Downes, Stephen's Web, October 14, 2008 [Link] [Tags: none] [Comment]
A Contrarian Chart
Natasa comments, "That's exactly how I feel about the group/network/collective issue. Man is a social animal. We are born alone and we die alone, but we do everything else in groups. The thought that I would wake up one day and there would be no groups (only networks and collectives) is really scary."
Lisa Lane,
Lisa's CCK08 Wordpress Blog,
October 14, 2008 [Link] [Tags: none]
[Comment]
The How of Connecting
Jenny Mackness writes about her mother's network, one that was created and exists without computer technology. Though we are tempted to talk in terms of computer networks, it is useful to keep in mind that networks do not need computers in order to exist. P.S. one trend I've been noticing is that more people are beginning to comment on each others' blogs. This is good - it is the beginning of a distributed network away from the centralizing influence of the course instructors.
Jenny Mackness,
Jenny Connected?,
October 14, 2008 [Link] [Tags: none]
[Comment]
Educamp CCK08 Talk
This is an audio recording of a presentation I (Stephen) delivered online over the weekend to an educamp conference in Germany. In it, I describe the technology used to set up this course, outline the things that have been added by students, discuss our progress in the course, and briefly describe the gRSShopper tool being used to generate this newsletter.
Stephen Downes,
Stephen's Web,
October 14, 2008 [Link] [Tags: none]
[Comment]
Conceptual Uncertainty and Rudiments of My PLN
Mike reflects on his experience as a learner in CCK08, including the level of discord in certain areas:
"An unfortunate effect of the discord for me has been the emergence of an environment that is not conducive to learning in the way I find beneficial and am therefore the most comfortable with. Consequently I'm now reluctant to ask questions and contribute to central discussions. This has lead to gaps in my understanding of certain concepts and ideas, and in turn to conceptual uncertainty."
We've emphasized personal agency throughout this course. In a networked world access to information and opportunities for interaction are at our finger tips. We decide what/when we want to learn. We turn to guides/teachers to help us with a particular path through the subject matter (what Stephen and I have done with course readings and the weekly discussion topics). Ultimately, how we explore that subject is our decision. When we encounter areas of discord, we can choose to engage or pursue other avenues. We may end up with gaps in our conceptual understanding - in fact, it doesn't matter what we do, we'll always have some gaps - but at least we have options now. Moodle too controversial? Follow some of the course blogs. Don't have time to attend the live sessions? Grab the recordings. Don't like how one aspect of the course is progressing? Set up an alternative (as we've seen - Second Life, web meetings). Personal agency combined with information access and communication tools makes for a powerful learner.
Mike Bogle,
,
October 13, 2008 [Link] [Tags: none]
[Comment]
Connectivism Research
Later in the course - week 11 to be precise - we will look at directions for research in relation to networked learning and connectivism. We've set up a wiki page for participants who are interested in expressing areas of research interest. A variety of interests have already been posted.
,
,
October 13, 2008 [Link] [Tags: none]
[Comment]
Contributions
Here's what course members from around the world had to say. Want to join the conversation? Login and submit your feed. Then put this at the beginning of your post: CCK08
7 Regeln der Vernetzten October 14, 2008CCK08: There *are* rules to engagement October 13, 2008
Review of the “The Numerati” October 13, 2008
CCK08: 'Group' Semantics October 13, 2008
Conceptual Uncertainty and Rudiments of my PLN October 13, 2008
CCK08 Internet over-emphasized October 13, 2008
Save me from too much connectivity October 13, 2008
CCK08 - Computer Enabled v. Non Computer Enabled Networks October 13, 2008
On groups and emerging networks October 13, 2008
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