Connectivism

This theory views learning as a continuing process where the base (our brain) is always being expanded by the addition of small parts. There is a high degree of personal control over what is being learned and an equally high control over the structure of learning. This learning theory emphasizes connection-making and knowing where to find specific information. We connect or network our learning processes so that we can build upon our knowledge.

The rapidly expanding world of technology over the past decades has forced us to rethink how we learn. Because our social environment is rapidly changing, so too must the way we accumulate knowledge.

In his article, “Connectivism – A Learning Theory for the Digital Age”, George Siemens explores how technology has changed and is continually changing society in the way we learn, live and interact with each other. “Learners as little as forty years ago would complete the required schooling and enter a career that would often last a lifetime. Information development was slow. The life of knowledge was measured in decades. Today, these foundational principles have been altered. Knowledge is growing exponentially. In many fields the life of knowledge is now measured in months and years.” http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/connectivism.htm

Some significant trends in learning:

Many learners will move into a variety of different, possibly unrelated fields over the course of their lifetime.

Informal learning is a significant aspect of our learning experience. Formal education no longer comprises the majority of our learning. Learning now occurs in a variety of ways – through communities of practice, personal networks, and through completion of work-related tasks.

Learning is a continual process, lasting for a lifetime. Learning and work related activities are no longer separate. In many situations, they are the same.

Technology is altering (rewiring) our brains. The tools we use define and shape our thinking.

The organization and the individual are both learning organisms. Increased attention to knowledge management highlights the need for a theory that attempts to explain the link between individual and organizational learning.

Many of the processes previously handled by learning theories (especially in cognitive information processing) can now be off-loaded to, or supported by, technology.

Know-how and know-what is being supplemented with know-where (the understanding of where to find knowledge needed). http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/connectivism.htm

References
Connectivism: Learning Theory for the Digital Age. Retrieved July 12, 2007 from http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/connectivism.htm