CONNECTIVISM
Presentation by: Group 5
“Knowledge has many authors, knowledge has many facets, it looks
different to each person, and it changes moment to moment. A piece of
knowledge isn’t a description of something, it is a way of relating to
something.” – Stephen Downes
WHAT IS CONNECTIVISM
LEARNING THEORY?
Connectivism is a relatively new learning theory that suggests students
should combine thoughts, theories, and general information in a useful
manner. It accepts that technology is a major part of the learning
process and that our constant connectedness gives us opportunities to
make choices about our learning. It also promotes group collaboration
and discussion, allowing for different viewpoints and perspectives when it
comes to decision-making, problem-solving, and making sense of
information. Connectivism promotes learning that happens outside of an
individual, such as through social media, online networks, blogs, or
information databases.
HISTORY OF
CONNECTIVISM
LEARNING THEORY
Connectivism was first
introduced in 2005 by two
theorists, George Siemens and
Stephen Downes. Siemens’ article
Connectivism: Learning as a
Network Creation was published
online in 2004 and Downes’ article
An Introduction to Connective
Knowledge was published the
following year.
The publications address the important role
technology plays in the learning process and how the
digital age has increased the speed at which students
have access to information. Since then, both Siemens
and Downes have continued to write and speak on the
subject. However, each has slightly different
viewpoints. While Siemens tends to focus on the
social aspects of connectivism, Downes focuses on
non-human appliances and machine-based learning.
WHAT ARE THE NODES AND
LINKS IN CONNECTIVISM
According to connectivism, learning is more than our own internal
construction of knowledge. Rather, what we can reach in our external
networks is also considered to be learning. From this theory, two
terms—nodes and links—have been commonly used to describe how
we gain and connect information in a network.
In connectivism, students are seen as “nodes” in a network. A node
can be people, books, webpages, databases,or other resources,
Connectivism is based on the theory that we learn when we make
connections, or “links,” are the connection between various "nodes"
that allow knowledge to be acquired and shared and link can be also
have a different strengths and direction,
WHAT ARE THE PRINCIPLES
OF CONNECTIVISM?
Connectivism builds on already-established theories to
propose that technology is changing what, how, and
where we learn. In their research, Siemens and Downes
identified eight principles of connectivism.
Those main principles of connectivism are:
Learning and knowledge rests in the diversity of opinions.
Learning is a process of connecting.
Learning may reside in non-human appliances.
Learning is more critical than knowing.
Nurturing and maintaining connections are needed for continual learning.
The ability to see connections between fields, ideas, and concepts is a core skill.
Accurate, up-to-date knowledge is the aim of all connectivist learning.
Decision-making is a learning process. What we know today might change tomorrow. While
there’s a right answer now, it might be wrong tomorrow due to the constantly changing
information climate.
CONNECTIVISM JN CLASSROOM
Connectivism relies heavily on
technology, so the first step to
creating a connectivist classroom is
to introduce more opportunities for
digital learning—like online courses,
webinars, social networks, and blogs.
Here are more ways to incorporate connectivism in the
classroom:
CONNECTIVISM JN CLASSROOM
It’s one thing to understand what connectivism is and
another to actually incorporate it in the classroom in
learning activities. Remember that in a connectivist
viewpoint, the new learning responsibilities shift from the
teacher to the learner. Unlike traditional teaching methods
and other theories like constructivism or cognitivism, the
educator’s job is to guide students to become effective
agents for their own learning and personal development. In
other words, it’s up to the learner to create their own
learning experience, engage in decision making, and enhance
their learning networks.
SOCIAL MEDIA
One way teachers implement connectivism is
through the use of classroom social media.
For example, a class Twitter account can
be used to share information, engage in
discussion or announce homework tasks.
This can help boost class engagement and
open the lines of discussion among
students and teachers
GAMIFICATION
Gamification takes assignments and activities and puts
them into a competitive game to make learning more of an
interactive experience. There are many learning-based
apps and instructional technologies teachers can use to
add an element of gamification to the classroom. One
example is DuoLingo, an online learning tool that helps
students learn languages through fun, game-like lessons.
Teachers can track students' progress while students can
earn “points” for progressing through lessons. Other
examples include apps like Brainscape, Virtual Reality
House, and Gimkit, just to name a few.
SIMULATION
Simulations engage students in deep learning that empowers understanding as opposed to
surface learning that only requires memorization. They also add interest and fun to a
classroom setting. Take, for example, a physics class where students create an electric
circuit with an online program. Instead of being instructed via a book or classroom lecture,
they’re learning about physics by simulating an actual physical setup.
Incorporating some or all of these examples is a great way to allow your students more
control over the pacing and content of their learning. It also provides opportunities for
individualized learning to match each student’s unique needs and strengths
What are the Pros
of Connectivism?
Both the student and the educator can
benefit from connectivism in the classroom.
If you’re considering adopting this theory in
your current or future classroom, consider
the following benefits:
It creates collaboration
Within connectivism, learning occurs
when peers are connected and share
opinions, viewpoints, and ideas through
a collaborative process. Connectivism
allows a community of people to
legitimize what they’re doing, so
knowledge can be spread more quickly
through multiple communities
It empowers students and teachers
Connectivism shifts the learning responsibilities
from the teacher to the student. It’s up to the
learner to create their own learning
experience. The role of the educator then
becomes to “create learning ecologies, shape
communities, and release learners into the
environment” (Siemens, 2003).
It embraces diversity.
Connectivism supports individual
perspectives and the diversity of opinions,
theoretically providing for no hierarchy in
the value of knowledge.
Learning through technology
Connectivism recognizes that
learning and technology are linked,
and that digital technology can help
solve problems.
If you're a current educator or aspiring to be
one, it's important to understand how
different learning theories can benefit your
classroom and help your students find success
FOR LISTENING
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