Artifact 4 is also another artifact that I have used to develop my research project. In doing this position paper, I have managed to outline the unique characteristics of each learning theory that provides a brief view of the pedagogy behind the use of Web 2.0 tools in education. In fact, connectivism is one of the theory that I have used as the theoretical framework for my research project. Please refer to Artifact 2 to view my proposal for my research project.
Situation
As I am working in an open distance learning institution and am a student of the MIDT programme, this sets the situation of my learning experience following the details of this artifact.
Task
The tasks required for Artifact 4 are to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of community of practice (COPs), networked learning and connectivism.
2. Identify key differences and similarities among these learning theories.
3. Demonstrate the ability to synthesise and discuss strengths and weaknesses of the theories.
4. Discuss the feasibility of one of more learning theories in relation to own teaching practice.
Action
Selected readings were given on topics related to each of the learning theories by Jones, C (2008), Wenger, E (1998) and Jones, C., Ferreday, D., & Hodgson, V. (2008). While reading and outlining the similarties and differences of the theories based on the articles, I obtained a general idea of what each theory is about.
Result
As I began to relate each theory with Web 2.0 tools and Personalised Learning Environments (PLEs), I came to understand the evolution of learning theories from that of behaviourism, congnitivism and constructivism to one that is more "volatile", abstract and chaotic i.e., connectivism.
Learnt
I have learnt from Artifact 4 that learning can take place at anywhere and anytime as long as one has the will to learn. This, I believe, captures the notion of "autonomous learning" whereby learners develop interest and their own goals to learn a particular subject matter. They are self-motivated because they are interested and they use which ever way to possible to learn something that is of interest to them. With the touch of technology, this involves the use of social media and various Web 2.0 tools to share and collaborate with others who has the same interest and develop new knowledge along the way. At the same time, they develop their networks which form their own PLE.
