elearnspace

Stephen Downes (in addition to hurling the odd grenade my way) consistently demonstrates the ability to provide innovative and critical commentary on concepts that many people accept on the surface. His most recent presentation on The Cloud and Collaboration is a good example. The talk (short – only 20 minutes) juxtaposes neural architecture and functioning with existing models of collaboration in society. He makes a compelling argument: if we use the “global technological/networked brain” as an example, then we need to base it on an accurate understanding of how the brain actually works. If it’s neural structure we desire, then we need to rethink privileged/star individual mentality in society and in learning. As he puts it, there is no head neuron in the brain. Toward the end of the talk he moves into a discussion of socialism (unrelated, but humorous: Ze Frank on Labor Day and Socialism) and attributes of networks.