Module 2: Creative Depiction of Communities of Practice, Connectivism, Personal Learning Networks



Three main ideas were learned in this module: Connectivism, Communities of Practice, and Personal Learning Networks.  Through researching these three concepts I found that they are not only very similar and interconnected but do possess some unique qualities.  Besides researching, another goal in this module was to apply my learning and understanding of the key concepts and create a nonlinguistic representation.  In the above graphic I designed, using Microsoft Word, I depict all three concepts as individual items, but show how they are also interrelated.

I begin in the center of my graphic with personal learning networks (PLNs).  A PLN is broken down and described in detail as "a group of people who you connect with to increase your knowledge of a particular subject" (Lynch, 2005).  Every individual possesses a personal learning network, which is represented by an individual thinking/learning using various platforms (Facebook, blogs, LinkedIn, etc.). They decide who they are connected with, how they are connected, how they interact and how much, and also with what they want to focus on or be interested in.  The PLN is central to being connected, to learning, and sharing knowledge.

Communities of practice (CoP) are shown in the graphic as areas found outside of the initial PNL that have a specific focus or domain, such as cryptocurrency, dinosaurs, or topics within an organization. CoPs have three key characteristics:  a domain or common interest, a community engaging in activities based on the domain, and the implementation of ideas onto each member's practice or what they do (Bates, 2014). They tend to form naturally based on the interest from existing networks or connections.  With advancements in technology, more connections and communities are being formed and supported, allowing for more information and knowledge to be discovered and shared.

Connectivism has been proposed as a new learning theory for the digital age. Some of the basic principles of connectivism are that learning and knowledge rest in the diversity of opinions, connections between nodes support learning, connections need to be nurtured and supported, non-human appliances can hold learning, and accurate knowledge is the intent (Bell, 2009).   I tried to show connectivism encompassing the whole process between individual networks or PLNs, CoPs, learning platforms, and nodes with multiple individuals sharing, learning, and using technology around the world. We are in the digital age and becoming ever more connected and more of a global learning community.

References
Bates, T. (2014, October 1) The role of communities of practice in a digital age. Retrieved from  https://www.tonybates.ca/2014/10/01/the-role-of-communities-of-practice-in-a-digital-age/

Bell, F. (2009).  Connectivism: a network theory for teaching and learning in a connected world.  Retrieved from http://usir.salford.ac.uk/2569/1/ConnectivismEdDev.pdf:public

Lynch, M. (2017, August 5)  What is a personal learning network? The Tech Edvocate. https://www.thetechedvocate.org/personal-learning-network/





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