Connectivism and web 2.0

As I reflect on this week, I realise that my focus has been on the formal modes of learning and research - i.e. books and articles. It's all relative, but I, along with many others (I presume), find it difficult to stay focused when these are the only forms of learning. I thought to myself "I need a variety of learning styles...", and that's when the penny dropped. Connectivism. How could I be so ignorant?

Does anyone else find it tough to stay motivated when just reading?

Taking this forward, I should start to explore social networking sites whilst researching - looking for blogs and videos, and reading the comments will give my learning diversity. Then, I can use this new source of information to make connections with my own practice, and apply this knowledge in discussions or meetings with friends or colleagues.

For example...

A new musical comes town. There will only be so much time I can spend reading the facts of the show - the synopsis, the music, the cast, the creatives, the theatre, the run, etc. So, once I have retained enough information on the topic, I should channel my energy into the unfamiliar, jump on the internet and get lost down a Youtube hole; reading the comments and making connections as I go.

However, reading the comments is usually as far as I tend to go. My willingness to participate usually sticks its head in the sand, and the fear of being judged, misread or mocked overwhelms me and I move onto the next post. This may be a personality issue, but it seems to be connected, but I believe it is a technique I should work to overcome.

My participation in Web 2.0 is lacking confidence, and because of the theoretical concept of connectivism, I believe I could benefit from taking part in online discussions. Contributing my own thoughts, ideas and opinions will benefit my learning experience from the responses I then receive back.

Do any of you have have any issues holding you back from participating online? If so, what are they?

I was reluctant to start a blog for this course - writing out my thoughts, ideas, or experiences seems quite alien and unnatural. However, it is beginning to train me to express myself in new ways, and use the internet to interact with educational topics of interest. Web 2.0 may be considered as 'a highly contested and extensively debated concept', but I am beginning to understand the benefits, see it for all that all it's worth.