The video above is my creative expression of connected learning. Throughout the video, connectivism is symbolized by water. Water is shown as the medium that is connectedness, connected or networked learning, and includes one side of each of the very connections themselves. Water is free-flowing, has an openness and transparency. Similarly, connectivism promotes a flow of information, openness, and transparency according to George Siemens in his video, “Connectivism: Socializing Open Learning” on YouTube (2010).
Communities of practice are a type of social learning where groups of practitioners are working in a shared domain. They have a shared body of information and may have common goals. They may have a form of leadership and members tend to be pulling in the same direction. (E.Wenger, 2015; B. Wenger-Traynor, 2015). In my video, communities of practice are represented by rowing teams, sailing, aircraft carrier, and submarine crews, polo teams, passengers on a cruise ship, and deep sea fisherman.
Personal learning networks are self-directed with each person having the freedom to choose how, when, where, and with what tools they want to interact with their network connections. Each person sets their own goals, makes their own connections, and pursues their own interests. According to Gutierrez (2016), the PLN provides learners with a continuous stream of knowledge and a space to exchange thoughts and ideas. In my video, water sports such as paddle boarding, surfing, swimming, diving, para-sailing, wind-surfing. and scuba diving represent freedom, choice, and individuality which are hallmarks of the PLN.
Each person in the video represents connections with others whether part of a community of practice or having built their own personal learning network as a result of their interaction with the water – with connectivism.
Resources:
Gutierrez, K. (2016, June) Industry Trends: What are personal learning Networks? Shift Disruptive ELearning. Retrieved from http://info.shiftelearning.com/blog/personal-learning-networks
Siemens, G. (2010, June 15). Connectivism: Socializing Open Learning.”[YouTube]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqL_lsogeNU&feature=youtu.be
Wenger E, & Wenger-Trayner, B. (2015,April), Communities of practice a brief introduction. Wenger-Trayner. Retrieved from http://wenger-trayner.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/07-Brief-introduction-to-communities-of-practice.pdf
Catalyst 