PLN - Connectivism - CoP

As I have reflected on the relationship between personal learning networks, connectivism, and communities of practice I have found that water can serve as a metaphor for learning.

Connectivism utilizes a social connected process of learning (Connectivism, 2014). Current technology only amplifies our ability to connect and collaborate. In a similar manner, an aerator provides oxygen and movement to a body of water that might otherwise become stagnant. In an age of information abundance, a personal learning network (funnel) provides individuals with the ability to use connections to coalesce information and build it into something coherent, something that will become more useful. A community of practice maintains the social aspects, however, they are more focussed (nozzle) on their "shared domain of interest" (Wenger, 2013) for addressing their issues.

[USC Blended Learning]. (2014, January 21). Overview of Connectivism - Dr. George Siemens [Video File]. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yx5VHpaW8sQ

Wenger, E (2013). What are Communities of Practice?. Retrieved from: http://www.ncddr.org/cop/whatiscop.html