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Connectivism1) is a new learning paradigm and a learning theory introduced in 2004 by George Siemens. This theory attempts to approach learning and knowledge in context of technological development during the last few decades, since the impact of technological achievements on learning and knowledge cannot be ignored.
Motivation for introduction of connectivism comes from notion that learning theories in frames of behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism and humanism promote the understanding that learning occurs only inside a person. According to Siemens,
Siemens' connectivism incorporates ideas from:
Connectivism integrates these principles. Learning is defined as actionable knowledge which can reside in a person but also outside one, for example in a database or an organization. The process of learning is focused not on acquiring more knowledge into or from each of such information sources, but on connecting them and maintaining those connections. Connection forming is important since the body of knowledge is nowadays rapidly changing and the common approach of a structured course in which packed knowledge is transferred to students is not efficient anymore. It serves institutions, but not students.
Connections are formed between nodes, but also between networks of nodes. Nodes can represent virtually anything, like a community or an individual, and the stronger the connection is, the faster information will flow between the nodes. Aggregated nodes form the network, but the network itself can only have limited influence on the nodes. According to Siemens4), elements and characteristics of a network include:
Connections between the nodes can depend on various factors which make them stronger or weaker5): motivation (impacts individuals determination to foster deeper connections), emotions (affect our evaluation of nodes and allow existence of contradictory perspectives), exposure (nodes grow and develop through forming connections to other nodes), patterning (recognizing the nature of different sources of information), logic and experience.
Some authors like professor of educational design Bijdrage van Pløn Verhagen criticize connectivism for being a pedagogical approach rather than a learning theory, since it doesn't really attempt to explain processes of how people learn.
Siemens, G. Connectivism: A Learning Theory for the Digital Age. 2005.
Siemens, G. Connectivism: Learning as Network-Creation - ASTD. 2005.