Today's Learner...

Today's learner is like an ipod. When brand new, it has the potential to become a tool equipped to take on many tasks. The first step in using an ipod is charging it and turning it on. Similarly, people must turn on their minds and be open to the vast amount of knowledge and information that is available. To take full advantage of ipods, one must add music and applications. Learners also acquire new information from a variety of sources, and their own personal "applications" are opened when called for in different situations. According to Siemens' article, "nurturing and maintaining connections is needed to facilitate continual learning". An ipod must connect to sources like computers, chargers, and the internet in order to be constantly up to date in terms of software and content. As stated in his video, "the network is the learning." Likewise, learners must connect to various online and print sources, as well as other people to create an environment in which they learn constantly.

Consumers will notice that original first generation ipods are no longer on the market. The technology that existed in them has become isolete with the addition of color screens, larger storage devices, video ipods, touch screens, and ipods that have the ability of going online. Though ipods in general are a fairly new technology, those created as little as five years ago realistically are no longer used. Up-to-date information is also a necessary component of connectivism. Information presented today may not be relevant tomorrow. Learners must keep up with the constant flow of information to remain an informed member of today's ever-changing society.

Article referenced: Connectivism: A Learning Theory for the Digital Age

Video referenced: The Changing Nature of Knowledge