Connectivism

Definition

Connectivism is a new learning method that is not yet universally accepted as a learning theory. It came to prominence with the rise of the internet and personal computers which made e-learning and blended or flipped learning solutions possible. Under this model of learning, learners form networks where knowledge is discovered online and shared with the networks (UOC, 2010).¹ Learners then use this content to construct knowledge and increase their understanding of the subject matter. Unlike in a cognitivist model where teachers would act as the disseminators of knowledge and focus on the quality of the learning materials, connectivists are mainly concerned with ensuring that the information shared in networks is current, relevant, and accurate.

Connectivist learning scenario

One example of connectivism is this – course LDT100x. Content for this course mostly consists of links to external materials. Teachers encourage learners to find their own content and share it with others on the course website (the network). While learners post information about the subject matter and construct their own understanding, teachers monitor the said content and occasionally comment when necessary to ensure students are on the right track.

To summarize, in the case of cognitivism the burden is on the Instructional Designer to build high quality learning materials that agree with cognitive load theory, while in the case of connectivism, the burden is on the network to find such high quality learning materials (Athabasca University, 2010).²

[Add more text references]

Extra video source:

TEDxNYED – George Siemens – 03/06/10 – YouTube

1. OUC – Open University of Catalonia. (2010). George Siemens – Connectivism: Socializing Open Learning [Video]. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqL_lsogeNU[↩]
2. Athabasca University. (2010). Connectivism: Connecting with George Siemens [YouTube Video]. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gNaOZAjkxg[↩]