1. Connectivism Learning Theory
EDIT 451: Survey of Instructional Media and Technology / Dr. Pearl Chen
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Nora Mossessian
Renee Rodriquez
Teresa Wu
3. Contributing Theories
Behaviorism
"Philosophy and values associated with the measurement and study of human
behavior" (Reiser & Dempsey 11).
Cognitivism
"Learning is viewed as a process of inputs, managed in short term memory,
and coded for long-term recall" (Siemens 3).
Constructivism
Vygotsky -2 important Elements: Language & Scaffolding
Constructionism
Papert - Learning occurs through learners' engaging in creative
experimentation and activity (Kop & Hill 6).
4. Connectivism
A newly developed theory of learning
that started within the blogosphere in
2005 and from there has been, and
continues to be, developed into a
learning theory for the digital age
5. "Learning is a process that occurs
within nebulous environments of
shifting core elements – not entirely
under the control of the individual"
(Siemens 5).
6. Principles of Connectivism
• Diversity of Options
• Connecting nodes or information sources
• Reside in non-human appliances
• Capacity to know more
• Nurturing & maintaining connections
• Ability to see connections
• Currency is the intent
• Decision-making is a learning process
7. Application of Connectivism -
Online Learning
Asynchronous - students can access the
online material at any time.
Synchronous - Real time interaction
between students and instructor.
8. Benefits of Online Learning
• Individualized instruction and material designed
based on learner's needs and current level of
expertise
• Promote deep, meaningful and contextual
learning with constant support in the process
• Instruction can incorporate strategies and
theories from all three different schools of
learning (Behaviorist, Cognitivist, and
Constructionist)
9. Commonalities in Application of the
Different Schools of Learning in Online
Learning
• Use of technology to highlight important
information and facilitate maximum
sensation.
• Provide opportunities for learners to
process, reflect and make the lesson relate
to the learners
• Learners are intrinsically motivated with
extrinsic motivational support.
10. Commonalities (con't)
• Material are inclusive of different learning styles
• Simulation of real-life situations.
• Learners are given opportunities to construct their
own knowledge through collaborative and cooperative
learning.
• Learning process are interactive and promote higher
level learning and social presence, and helps develop
personal meaning.
11. Connectivism in the Classroom
• Google Learning Suite - Docs, iGoogle, RSS,
Scholar, etc.
• Social Bookmarking - Delicious
• PageCast - Pageflakes
• Interactives - VoiceThread, Glogster,
podcasting, wiki,
• Study Tools - Quizlets, NoodleBib, Lingt
12. ~ Critics Of Connectivism ~
• Previous learning theories are sufficient;
technology is merely an addition
• Not a theory of instruction or learning, but a
theory on curriculum/content
• Really just a branch of constructivism with the
addition of technology
13. ~ Defending Connectivism ~
• Previous learning theories were developed in a
pre-digital era and are outdated
• Network formation *is* learning; both content
and context matter; new research taking place
• It can complement constructivism; ability to co-
exist with others
• Many theories across disciplines support
fostering connections
14. ~ Useful Websites & Resources ~
*Connectivism: Networked and Social Learning
George Siemens' WordPress on various connectivist and digital learning topics
http://www.connectivism.ca
*elearnspace
George Siemens' main e-learning website, also contains a blog and several articles on
the theory and related ideas.
http://www.elearnspace.org
*Stephen's Web
Stephen Downes' website, also full of resources on connectivism and related topics
http://www.downes.ca
*Connectivism & Connective Knowledge
Official website of the large online open course taught by Siemens/Downes in 2008
and 2009 on connectivism. Contains course recordings, transcripts, blogs, and wikis.
http://ltc.umanitoba.ca/connectivism
15. ~ Discussion + Q&A ~
~Any questions or comments about this
topic? What do you think of this theory?
~How do theories of learning, theories of
instruction, and epistemological constructs
(aka: definitions of knowledge) work
together?
~What type of learning research can
better support this theory?
16. ~ Bibliography ~
Ally, M. (2004). Foundations of educational theory for online learning [Chapter 1].
Retrieved from http://cde.athabascau.ca/online_book/ch1.html
Hamilton, B. (2009). Transforming information literacy for nowgen students.
Knowledge Quest, 37 (5), 48-53.
Kop, R., & Hill, A. (2008). Connectivism: Learning theory of the future or vestige of
the past?. The International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 9 (3),
Retrieved from http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/523/1103
Reiser, R., & Dempsey, J. (2007). Trends and issues in instructional design and
technology. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Merrill Prentice Hall.
Siemens, G. (2004). Connectivism: A learning theory for the digital age. Retrieved
from http://www.elearnspace.org/articles/connectivism.htm
Siemens, G. (2005). Connectivism: Learning as network-creation. Retrieved from
http://www.astd.org/LC/2005/1105_seimens.htm
17. ~ Bibliography ~
(continued)
Siemens, G. (2006). Connectivism: Learning theory or pastime for the self amused?
Retrieved from http://www.elearnspace.org/articles/connectivism.htm
Verhagen, P. (2006). Connectivism: A new learning theory?. Retrieved from
http://www.surfspace.nl/nl/Redactieomgeving/Publicaties/Documents/Connectivism
%20a%20new%20theory.pdf20theory.pdf
