Mayans had a greeting, "Lak'ech Ala K'in", which means, "I am you, and you are me". Therefore, everything that happens to you happens to me. Everything you feel, I feel as well. So, if you are hungry, poor, sick, lonely, etc., I feel the same way. Mmm, I guess that feeling that way would make me do everything in my power to help you.
What I like about connectivism, and what makes it unique in my opinion, is that it relies on the idea that since knowledge is distributed, everything is connected. We are all connected.
We always have been connected, but we have not realized it. ICT makes us aware of it, makes us notice each other, makes us see our differences, but most importantly, it gives us the knowledge that we are not that different, and that we have more in common than we think we do.
At the same time, one of the strengths of connectivism is that it values, acknowledges and recognizes difference as a positive thing. Ruth Demitroff said on Elluminate's February 11 session, "The strength of the MOOC is that we all approach it from different disciplines and cultures".
Being part of CCK11 makes me part of an incredible cultural mosaic, in which age, nationality, language or background is not seen as an obstacle or as a disadvantage; on the contrary, it is not only a plus, but, also, something desirable that enriches all. Connectivism connects me with everything and everyone, it makes me a part, it makes me belong, because, we are, indeed, all connected, aren't we?
This is a very insightful post. I like it very much, understanding that our diversity is a good thing: it enriches all of us. This happens through our mutual connection, in which we belong to something that is greater than the sum of its parts, and thusly, rightly so, have acquired the brotherhood and sisterhood of humanity - I am my brother's keeper - I am my sister's keeper - is a very plausible reading of what connectivism results in, which, in the end, is a more perfect world for all of us - whee everybody cares about everybody - genuinely.
Wonderfully said, we are all connected. Like to learn about your language, culture, and experience of life through such connection.
Glad to meet you here too.
Thank you for your lovely comment :-), I'm really glad you liked it.
So glad you started the discussion with the Mayans. There's so much to learn from ancient cultures. We're moving from individualism to connectivism while to other cultures, the concept that would be hard to understand is individualism.
I completely agree. We got to be team players... and we all play for the same team.