ConnectivismA Learning Theory for the Digital Age

Presenters: Brad Moffat & Jennifer Rimnyak

Source: http://it-sector.blogspot.ca/2010/04/and-still-they-hurt.html

Principal Authors of Connectivism• George Siemens • Steven Downes

Source: http://socialmediatoday.com/erasersm/108658/connectivism-and-connective-knowledge-george-siemens-stephen-downes

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Downes

Why a New Learning Theory?

• Knowledge is growing exponentially

• Computers can perform cognitive functions for us

• Learning communities and organizations as complex networks

• Advent of social media and informal learning

What is Connectivism?

• Learning is making connections between “nodes”.• information, people, machines, images, feelings, just

about anything.

• Students learn to build, adjust and maintain the strength and complexity of connections.

• Learning to handle larger volumes of volatile nodes produces - emergent properties

Principles of Connectivism• Learning and knowledge rests in diversity

of opinions.• Learning is a process of connecting

specialized nodes or information sources.• Learning may reside in non-human

appliances.• Capacity to know more is more critical than

what is currently known• Nurturing and maintaining connections is

needed to facilitate continual learning.Source: Siemens (2004)

Principles of Connectivism• Ability to see connections between fields,

ideas, and concepts is a core skill.• Currency (accurate, up-to-date knowledge) is

the intent of all connectivist learning activities.• Decision-making is itself a learning process.

Choosing what to learn and the meaning of incoming information is seen through the lens of a shifting reality. While there is a right answer now, it may be wrong tomorrow due to alterations in the information climate affecting the decision.

Source: Siemens (2004)

What are the impacts on education?

1. Role of the Teacher in Connectivism

Source: http://www.dobleveta.com/marketing-de-contenidos-con-content-curator/

• Teacher as network hub/Teacher as curator• Influences & shapes the network• Facilitates and nurtures connections

(human/non-human)• Not the sole content expert

2. Dialogue in the Network

Source: http://www.quadmediaventures.com/social-media-for-small-business-1/

• Dialogue is the platform for collaborative thinking

• Constant exposure to new, conflicting, current ideas

• Openness and shared experiences & resources

• Enhances network diversity• Strengthens network connections

3. Skills vs. Knowledge Acquisition

Source: http://djtech.wikispaces.com/Bloom's+Taxonomy

• Static knowledge acquisition – no longer main goal of education

• Focus shifts to SKILLS for the modern world:• “Know-where”• Using your network

effectively• Broadening your network• Evaluating “worthiness”• Pattern recognition• Synthesis• Negotiation

Further Reading

• http://itforum.coe.uga.edu/Paper105/Siemens.pdf

• http://www.downes.ca/post/33034

• http://library.wcsu.edu/dspace/bitstream/0/487/1/

• http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/523/1103

• http://online.upaep.mx/campusTest/ebooks/CONECTIVEKNOWLEDGE.pdf

Bibliography• 1. Marais,Nalize. (2010). Connectivism as learning theory: the force behind changed teaching practice in higher

education. Education, Knowledge & Economy, Vol. 4, No. 3,173–182.•  •  • 2. Ravenscroft, Andrew. (2011). Dialogue and Connectivism: A New Approach to Understanding and Promoting

Dialogue-Rich Networked Learning. International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning. Vol. 12.3. 139-160.•  •  • 3. Tschofen,C., & Mackness, J. (2012). Connectivisn and Dimensions of Individual Experience. The International Review of

Research in Open and Distance Learning. Vol 13, No 1. 124-143.•  •  • 4. Ozan, O. (2013). SCAFFOLDING IN CONNECTIVIST MOBILE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT. Turkish Online Journal of Distance

Education-TOJDE ISSN 1302-6488 Volume: 14 Number: 2 Article 1.44-55.•  •  • 5. Siemens,George. (2008). Learning and Knowing in Networks: Changing roles for Educators and Designers. Presented

to ITFORUM for Discussion, January 27. 1-26.•  • 6. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Connectivism_(learning_theory) 2013:10.• 7. http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/networks.htm 2013:10.• 8. http://www.downes.ca/post/33034 2013:10.•  9. http://itforum.coe.uga.edu/Paper105/Siemens.pdf 2013:10.• 10. http://www.downes.ca/post/33034 2013:10.• 11. http://library.wcsu.edu/dspace/bitstream/0/487/1/ 2013:10.• 12. http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/523/1103 2013:10.• 13. http://online.upaep.mx/campusTest/ebooks/CONECTIVEKNOWLEDGE.pdf 2013:10.• 14.

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