Connectivism....

While I do find this theory very interesting and something I agree with...I do want to raise a question before I move along.  Towards the end of the short video we saw, the speaker raises the question "Why are teachers needed then?" then follows with a short list of why a teacher is still needed.  I find the answer provided simply does not answer the question asked...it seemed to me more like the teacher turns into a guidance counselor, motivator, organizer and a "middle man" for learning...nowhere do I see "educator" there.  I am by no means discounting the credit to connectivism, not in the least, just stating I do not see where an educator is even needed and the answer the video provided I feel suits my opinion.  It would seem like the teacher is more like an "assigner" - someone that just gives the topic of study out and checks to make sure the resources are accurate...that is not what a teacher does.  Again, this is my opinion, hopefully I am not offending anyone reading this.

I totally agree with social learning and the idea or theory that cooperative learning is beneficial to students.  Humans are social creatures and we learn best by watching others and copying or communicating and gaining the knowledge conversed about. "Social learning is the process of students being actively engaged during learning while conversing with others" (Laureate Education, Inc. 2010) The only disagreement I think here is the theory's main concept is that some students will be "masters" at certain subjects and be able to teach others about it.  Students may be slightly stronger than others in certain areas, but to think a young student is able to have the knowledge to give other than a very basic idea is some what unrealistic.  At any rate, I do think this theory is accurate and I feel humans learn very well simply through communication.

Resources:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2010). Program eight. Social Learning Theories
[Webcast]. Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction and Technology. Baltimore, MD: Author