My view on connectivism and my position towards it still changes every day, as I keep on discovering new and interesting ideas. This paper represents only a short moment in time and is not a definitive statement (Full version, PDF-format, including references).
What is connectivism?
“Connectivism is the application of network principles to define both knowledge and the process of learning. Knowledge is defined as a particular pattern of relationships and learning is defined as the creation of new connections and patterns as well as the ability to manoeuvre around existing networks/patterns”(Siemens, 2008).
Siemens (2009) suggests that in order to understand learning we need to understand how and why connections are formed. He further states that “connections are formed at various levels: neural, cognitive/conceptual, and social”.
I do not want to talk about connectivism in a physical or biological sense, as I do not feel comfortable enough with the subject to do so. But I do have some thoughts on the conceptual and social level.
I would like to discuss the important role of technology and connections, networks and organisations (context) in our daily lives. These two components alone justify considering connectivism as a new starting point. It is clear that many more factors could be taken into consideration, but that would bring me too far from the scope of this assignment. I will also address three outstanding questions concerning connectivism.
Technology
Technology is one of those important trends, if not the most important one, that brings up new challenges in society. Educators encounter how technology is changing our knowledge and the way we learn. This also results in the way we (should) teach. For example: is it still important that we learn our children useless figures and facts that can be Googled in a few seconds? Or is it more important to learn our children how they can find trustworthy information and interpret this?
Technology not only changes the way we act on knowledge, but also how we interact with others. Not so long ago interaction was geographically limited. Knowledge was transferred from the teacher in front of the class to the students, from parents to their children etc. Today the world is a global village. Forming social connections can not be considered something new, but the internet gives us the possibility to form connections just anytime, anywhere and with anyone. Especially the internet with its Web2.0 and social tools, and the semantic evolutions with regard to search engines, help us to connect and learn in total different ways.
Context
Another aspect in favour of connectivism is the place where learning occurs. “A central tenet of most learning theories is that learning occurs inside a person… These theories do not address learning that occurs outside of people (i.e. learning that is stored and manipulated by technology). They also fail to describe how learning happens within organizations” (Siemens, 2004).
Knowledge is not restricted anymore and in possession of the happy few. Knowledge is out there, on the net and in our network. Learning should not be viewed as a linear process between persons, but as a process of forming and handling infinite connections. “Chaos is the new reality (Siemens 2004)”.
