Stitching Your Network

George Siemens uses the term Connectivism to refer to a network-learning model. He explains that knowledge changes and becomes obsolete; therefore, “what we know today is not as important as our ability to stay current,” (The Network is the Learning). Siemens continues that how we are connected is how we stay current; essentially our networks allow us to continue to learn knowledge that is constantly changing and evolving. He even goes as far as stating that learning happens by forming networks – and this is aided by technology. He concludes that “Connectivism provides insight into learning skills and tasks needed for learners to flourish in a digital era,” (Connectivism: A Learning Theory for the Digital Age).  

With Siemens’ Connectivist view in mind, the learner of today can be likened to a quilter. A quilter pieces together different fabrics (sources), and constantly adds to the complexity of her design (network). She is always forming and adding more squares, as the quilt continuously grows and changes shape. Her stitches form the connections between the vast pieces available, and her sewing machine (technology) speeds up the process with ease. She needs more than just knowledge of what her materials and tools are; she also needs to know where to access them and how to use them (skills).