From the thread CCK08: What is connectivism, I would like to feature the discussion about deciding who are the “good informants” in your learning network:
Re: What is connectivism
by Jenni Parker – Monday, 8 September 2008, 08:00 AMHi Kathryn
..however my thoughts on how the connectivism model is associated with the concept of knowledge is that everyone you connect with is an “informant”. The problem will be deciding which are “good” informants.
Re: What is connectivism – cross-cultural issues
by Kayeri Akweks – Monday, 8 September 2008, 04:02 PMIt seems that what we are all doing each day throughout our lives is trying to analyze and decide upon “good” informants.
Re: What is connectivism – cross-cultural issues
by Stephen Downes – Tuesday, 9 September 2008, 07:01 AMI think that you can spend too much time looking for ‘good’ informants.
It’s better, I think, to draw a parallel with ‘finding a friend’ rather than ‘finding a reliable source of information’. You are looking for a communications partner, not an encyclopedia.
I think that most people would serve just fine as a connection. It has to do with affinity and comfort – can you talk to the person. Sure, just as in friends, there are things to avoid – deadbeats, liars, cheats – but you wouldn’t select your friends based on how authoritative they are, and neither should you so choose your connections.
