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Check out these links to get you started:
Connectivism: A learning theory for the digital age
Connectivism (learning theory) - Wikipedia, (make sure to check the references for additional sources)
Connectivism--Wikiversity article
Connectivism resources provided by Tom Welch
Definition: Connectivism is a learning theory that is based on the idea that knowledge esists in the world rather than simply in someone's brain.
The central metaphor of connectivism is that of a network where knowledge is formed by creating connections between various "nodes" in the network. It emphasizes the idea that knowing where to find knowledge is as important as the knowledge itself as knowledge is always evolving with concepts being born or becoming obsolete.
Davis, Edmunds, and Kelly-Bateman (2010) write, "At its core, George Siemens’ theory of connectivism is the combined effect of three different components: chaos theory, importance of networks, and the interplay of complexity and self-organization." Siemens offered connectivism as an alternative to behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism.
Primary Theorists:
George Siemens and Stephen Downes
Principles/Underlying Concepts:
Individual Principles:
Knowledge exists in the world - Knowledge is not isolated or learned for its own sake. All knowledge is connected to each other and has (or needs to have) real world applications. Knowledge that does not affect the world would be said to be obsolete.
Making connections - The ability to make connections between old knowledge, new knowledge, similar knowledge, and opposing knowledge is a key skill essential to connectivism.
Knowledge is fluid - What is true today may be false later due to new discoveries.
The Power of Discernment - since knowledge is fluid and can be made obsolete, and there needs to be judgements made on the relatability of connections between knowledge, the ability to discern what information is relevant and how it relates to other concepts is a key skill.
Collective Principles:
Sharing - All knowledge is learned on a social basis which makes knowledge vulnerable to cultural bias, personal experiences, and prior knowledge. It is the responsiblity of individuals to share their knowledge, cultural biases, and personal experiences so that others may incorporate those opinions and stories into their learning and memory, which aids in retention and discernment.
Truth has to be agreed upon - Knowledge can only be true if it is agreed upon. Groups will not act upon knowledge they believe to be untrue.
Classroom Implications:
Connectivism as a theory would be best applied in the classroom through group work and class discussion. The teacher would need to act more as a facilitator than an instructor as students would be acquiring knowledge and determing between facts and ficition through their interactions with one another as opposed to knowledge being dictated to them.
Implications related to technology use:
Since connectivism relies on sharing, any form of technology that allows for sharing could be utilized to make connections between people and ideas. Cellphones, e-mail, Twitter, Facebook, and wikis could all be used to convey knowledge.
Additional Reading:
What connectivism is http://halfanhour.blogspot.com/2007/02/what-connectivism-is.html
Connectivism: Learning theory or pastime of the self-amused? http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/Connectivism_response.doc
A challenge to connectivism http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2006/12/challenge-to-connectivism.html
Siemens, G. (2005, January). Connectivism: A learning theory for the digital age. International Journal of Instructional Technology & Distance Learning, Retrieved November 03, 2008, from http://www.itdl.org/Journal/Jan_05/article01.htm
Verhagen, P. (2006, November). Connectivism: a new learning theory?. elearning, Retrieved November 4, 2008, from http://www.surfspace.nl/nl/Redactieomgeving/Publicaties/Documents/Connectivism%20 a%20new%20theory.pdf
References:
Davis, C, Edmunds, E, & Kelly-Bateman, V. (2008). Connectivism. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Connectivism