For+Connectivism

=A Stand in Support of [|Connectivism]=

//**By: Ginny, Kathy, Mike C., Jerry, Kelly**//



What is Connectivism?
> > //George Siemens explains his view on the changed nature of knowledge...// > > media type="youtube" key="YMcTHndpzYg&rel=1" height="355" width="425"
 * A "learning theory for the digital age", connectivism attempts to explain the impact technology has on how we live, communicate, and learn. Combining various elements of several learning theories, George Siemes, developer of this construct, has created a powerful theory for learning in the "digital age" //("Connectivism," 2008).//
 * "What sculpture is to a block or marble, education is to the soul" //(qtd. in Quote World, 2008).//

(//The Changing Nature of Knowledge, 2007//)

Learning theories attempt to explain the complex process of how people obtain knowledge //("Learning Theory (education)," 2008).//George Siemens, developer of connectivism, claims that, "The connections that enable us to learn more are more important than our current state of knowing" (//qtd. in Shepard, 2006//). Is connectivism indeed a solidified, reliable learning theory?

As educators, a major component of our job is to discover how to best reach our students in ways that will ensure learning has taken place. Today's society has changed the face of that learning, and it is argued that traditional views on education are no longer relative to our world. Is it true that connectivism is a "theory of learning that can bridge the rift between traditional and new educational approaches to prepare learners for the tomorrow they will inherit" (//qtd. in Bayne, 2008//).

Connectivism: Supporting our Students
Today's students spend countless hours using current technology. Their motivation greatly increases when given the opportunity to use a computer for schoolwork. As George Siemens states, "An individual can do significantly more with the aid of a computer than was ever possible in the past" (//qtd. in The Changing Nature of Knowledge, 2007//). Connectivism, a learning theory developed by Siemens, supports the students of today's society.

Connectivism is way to learn in the future, or is it? If that is the case, then it seems like the future is really now. Networking is happening all around us. As Jay Cross says, in the //Informal Learning Blog//, "The group mind is your friend. All of us is smarter than any of us" (//2007//).

Still not really sure what connectivism is? This short summary might clear things up for you.