Connectivism A theory of the learning process in my nursing education.

According to Goldie (2016), "Connectivism is a conceptual framework which views learning as a network phenomenon influenced by technology and socialization (para. 6)." It is based on the idea that learning is a result of interaction among communities or networks. It emphasizes that learning occurs through a symbiotic relationship between the learner and the network, where the network feeds the learner with information, but the learner also influences the network.

"Learning is a process of connecting specialized nodes or information sources (Siemens, 2005, para. 24)."

The community of nursing students and faculty I have connected with during my Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) coursework at University of Cincinnati (U.C.) has influenced the way that I learn and I hope to have influenced others. The courses have been set up so that nursing students learn stated objectives, but the way that they learn is through connection during online discussion boards, current online research of course topics, and collaboration with various professional resources. Our ability to share knowledge, interests, and personal experiences influences each other as students and professionals.

"Currency (accurate, up-to-date knowledge) is the intent of all connectivist learning activities (Siemens, 2005, para. 24)."

As a nursing student and professional, I use technology to search for the most current evidence to inform my practice. The BSN program at U.C. emphasizes the use of evidence based practice (EBP) as professional nurses. A main tenet of connectivism is the realization that the flow of knowledge is ever changing and the learner's ability to adapt is paramount. Siemens (2005) suggests, "The pipe is more important than the content in the pipe. Our ability to learn what we need for tomorrow is more important than what we know today (para. 32)." EBP will always be changing related to future discoveries, knowing how to find the evidence basis for future healthcare changes will serve me well.

"Nurturing and maintaining connections is needed to facilitate continual learning (Siemens, 2005, para. 24)."

The connections I have made through my coursework at U.C. have undoubtedly influenced my professional practice as a nurse and will continue to do so for future endeavors.

Aaron Barnette

University of Cincinnati

Nursing 6004001- Learning with Technology

References

Goldie, J.G.S. (2016). Connectivism: A knowledge learning theory for the digital age? Medical Teacher. DOI: 10.3109/0142159X.2016.1173661

Siemens, G. (2005). Connectivism: A learning theory for the digital age. Retrieved from: http://www.itdl.org/journal/jan_05/article01.htm

Created By
Aaron Barnette
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