The Meaning is the Message

This slideshare presentation by Stephen Downes talks about the signifier and the signified, and how the truth is not encoded in the message. How each of us interpret it becomes our individual truth.

We often forget that the "user is the content." This leads to failed communication. Unless the perception is managed, interpretation of content cannot be controlled or directed. 

As Stephen Downes says in slide 22, Knowledge has many authors, knowledge has many facets, it looks different to each different person, and it changes moment to moment..."

If we, as designers of "learning solutions" can keep this in mind, we will realize that static content does not enable learning. Learning is enabled through networks, connection, pattern recognition, reflection and practice...it has to facilitate incorporation of the change and the only way to do this is through:

• Collaboration
• Sharing of stories
• Discussions

These facilitate Synthesis!

The Meaning is the message

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