acquiring knowledge through connections

Most of us enjoy dialogue, most of us enjoy conversation. We are social beings...
The Impact of Social Software on Learning by George Siemens explains the importance of social software for learning.

        As simple minded as this may sound, I think of my learners in my high school Spanish classroom, and at the risk of sounding condescending and rude, my adolescent learners often remind me of young dogs-pups- full of energy, eager, anxious, happy, moody, sleepy, nervous...

       A young pup loves to learn new tricks, and gets very very excited when a new person comes over, or a new toy is introduced, or a new snack is offered.
My teenage students are much like young pups because they exhibit all of these behaviors in the classroom. Sure, some are sleeping on the desks, some are crying, some are eating a snack. But, for the most part, my students are eager and willing to try anything new.

        I remember my first time trying the CPS clickers in class. This was my first time implementing this new technology in my classroom, and it was for most students their first time using the technology as well. Their "tails" were wagging with eagerness!
I think that using new technology, new crayons, new websites- new anything sparks an interest in the teenage learner.

       George Siemens touches on connecting to our students via social software. It truly does connect us not only to each other, but to other people and/or groups we may have never known of before. This tool excites students in the classroom. Below are two quotes taken form the article Connectivism: A Learning Theory for the Digital Age by George Siemens: 
Including technology and connection making as learning activities begins to move learning theories into a digital age. We can no longer personally experience and acquire learning that we need to act.  

When knowledge...is needed but not known, the ability to plug into sources to meet the requirements becomes a vital skill. 

George Siemens