Origins
Connectivism is a model of learning that has developed as a result of the digital age and the exponential growth of knowledge that has resulted.
Defined
Learning is a process that occurs within ill-defined environments that are constantly changing. Where previous theories of learning focused on the acquisition of knowledge that the individual processes and maintains internally, Connectivism recognizes that knowledge is contained in networks of connected “nodes,” both internal and external. Internal nodes consist of two types:
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Neural (cognitive process that take place at the cellular level of an individual’s brain,)
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Conceptual (an idea or concept that is similar or related.)
External nodes refer to individuals, organizations, and artificial intelligence. (Siemens, 2005)
Methodology
Connectivism proposes that the teacher’s role is that of a connector to the relevant network of nodes. As a result of technology in the digital age, and the “shrinking half-life of knowledge,” the learner is more like a researcher that is able to obtain information in real time since so often, knowledge becomes obsolete faster than it can be learned. (Siemens, 2005) This also means that much knowledge is stored in artificial environments (ex. databases) that process the information externally and then can be accessed by the learner as needed. Important skills are the ability to synthesize information and to see connections between ideas and concepts.
Application
Obviously, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are the centerpiece of this theory. ("Connectivism (Siemens, Downes)", 2017) However, any learning environment that relies on networks, human or non-human is demonstrating connectivism. This includes organizations, communities of practice, and personal networks. It also recognizes that much of learning is shifting from formal to informal environments due to the unprecedented access to information in the digital age.
References
Connectivism (Siemens, Downes). (2017, February 04). Retrieved from https://www.learning-theories.com/connectivism-siemens-downes.html
Siemens, G. (2005, January). Connectivism: A Learning Theory for the Digital Age. Retrieved June 11, 2019, from http://www.itdl.org/journal/jan_05/article01.htm
