Is+Connectivism+a+learning+theory?

Is Connectivism a Learning Theory?
Learning theories attempt to explain the complex process of how people obtain knowledge //("Learning Theory (education)," 2008).// The three broad learning theories referred to most often in the creation of instructional environments are behaviorsim, cognitivism, and contstructivism. These theories were developed a long time ago, and during this time, technology did not play a vital role in the learning process. Since technology has changed so much about the way we live in the last 20 years, learning theories should be reflective of these newer social environments (//Siemens, 2004).// Connectivism accomplishes this. “Learning must be a way of being – an ongoing set of attitudes and actions by individuals and groups that they employ to try to keep abreast o the surprising, novel, messy, obtrusive, recurring events…” //(qtd. in Siemens, 2004).//

Based upon the definition, as stated above, of a learning theory, coupled with the information found below on connectivism, it is safe to say that YES, connectivism IS indeed a learning theory. It attempts to explain the complex process of how people obtain knowledge by exploring the principles of chaos, network, complexity, and self-organization theories. Through these explorations, connectivism arrives at a process by which people are obtaining knowledge in the digital age.


 * How does Connectivism attempt to explain learning?**

Learning is a process that occurs within nebulous environments of shifting core elements – not entirely under the control of the individual. Learning (defined as actionable knowledge) can reside outside of ourselves (within an organization or a database), is focused on connecting specialized information sets, and the connections that enable us to learn more are more important than our current state of knowing (//Siemens, 2004)//. Connectivism is driven by the understanding that decisions are based on rapidly altering foundations. New information is continually being acquired. The ability to draw distinctions between important and unimportant information is crucial. So is the ability to recognize when new information alters the landscape based on decisions made yesterday (//Siemens, 2004).//


 * Principles of connectivism:**
 * Learning and knowledge rests in diversity of opinions.
 * Learning is a process of connecting specialized nodes or information sources.
 * Learning may reside in non-human appliances.
 * Capacity to know more is more critical than what is currently known
 * Nurturing and maintaining connections is needed to facilitate continual learning.
 * Ability to see connections between fields, ideas, and concepts is a core skill.
 * Currency (accurate, up-to-date knowledge) is the intent of all connectivist learning activities.
 * Decision-making is itself a learning process. Choosing what to learn and the meaning of incoming information is seen through the lens of a shifting reality. While there is a right answer now, it may be wrong tomorrow due to alterations in the information climate affecting the decision //(Siemens, 2004)//

. **//"We derive our competence from forming connections…the learner’s challenge is to recognize the patterns which appear to be hidden. Meaning-making and forming connections between specialized communities are important activities"//**

(qtd. in Siemens, 2004).

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