Connectivism and social learning in practice

Connectivism is defined as when learning is the act of forming networks and navigating networks of knowledge. Social learning is when students are actively engaged in constructing artifacts while conversing with others. In Chapter 7 of our book, they mention several cooperative learning activities that the students can complete. All of these activities are connectivism or social learning in practice. Any kind of multimedia project is definitely creating an artifact and bringing constructionism into the classroom; however, when you group the students up and have them research the content together, collaborate on what their artifact will look like, and then create the artifact as a team, you get social learning. Another activity was Keypals. This is communication and collaboration with students from another school, state, or even country. This isn't just social learning, it's global social learning. Being able to create a project with another student far away from you is challenging as well as exciting. Not only can students practice social learning, but there are several sites and ways that teachers can collaborate with each other. There are social bookmarking sites, such as delicious.com, that allow others to see what you have bookmarked. Something you thought was important may end up being a help to another person. Finally, there are web-enabled multiplayer simulation games that allow the students to play against classmates or other people around the world in educational games of strategy or construction.