A learner is like a quilt, the more pattern blocks added, and the different fabric it holds is like the mind.
The more we learn and the different ways we learn, builds a beautiful display of knowledge. No one can stop the quilt maker from adding as much patterns to the quilt and us as learners don’t need to stop adding information to our minds. As we learn, we are gaining an unlimited amount of data and we can store as much as we want. As the quilt grows, it becomes an amazing work of art and as the information needed changes, so can the pattern of our quilt.
According to George Siemens “the likelihood that a concept of learning will be linked depends on how well it is currently linked” (2005, January). The way we link our quilt together depends on how well we understand the concept of learning. Also with our quilt we can add different patterns to fit the times. As Siemens explains in his video “The Network is the Learning”, he said “what we know today is not as important as our ability to stay current”. So the information today is not as vital as what the information need to be known for tomorrow. When we add new patterns to our quilt, it is important that are patterns are current, so we can build with the trends.
Connectivism: A Learning Theory for the Digital Age. International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning
The Network is the Learning
Quilts are so beautiful. I love that analogy! And, there is beauty in each and every quilt. Similarly there is beauty in each and every learner. I am glad you found a network for parents and students....I have a hard time balancing just my schooling. I don't have a family to take care of! I give you all the credit in the world!
ReplyDeleteHissen,
ReplyDeleteYour quilt works nicely as an analogy for a networked learner. As a viewer of the quilt, we perceive the whole "network", but if the quilter changes any block, our perception of the "network" undergoes a change as well.
Dr. Burgos
A quilt seems so appropriate and I think the part of your analogy about adding on what ever patches we see fit represents the variety of learners that we are.
ReplyDeleteI think it is important for students to know that they can change the pattern of their quilt. I loved the analogy.
ReplyDelete