Making Connections: Today's Learner

In the article, Connectivism: A Learning Theory For the Digital Age, George Siemens quotes the definition of learning as “a persisting change in human performance or performance potential…[which] must come about as a result of the learner’s experience and interaction with the world” (p.11).  He describes learning as simply, "A way of being."  I believe that Siemens was trying to say that today's learner must be an intuitive, creative and resourceful one, with the abililty to make connections with others.  Therefore, think today's learner is like a detective for several reasons.  

In the article, Siemens stressed that rather than actually knowing the answers to our questions, today's learner must know where and how to find that information just as a detective must know where and how to gather information to solve a crime.  Technology has influenced the way in which the learner is now able to learn and the speed in which they can do so. 

In the video, The Impact of Social Media on Learning, the influence of technology is discussed.  Social Media websites such as Wikis and Blogs are constantly being updated and sharing information in order to keep people informed with the newest information.  The video stresses the way in which people are able to easily make connections with others and share information, just as a detective gathers information about a crime from witnesses and other contacts and makes connections.  The video suggests, "we derive our competence from forming connections."

Overall, today's learner must be able to socially connect with others in order to continue to grow and must keep up with the most current information.  Through social media, today's learner has endless opportunities to learn and connect with the world.