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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, constructivism2) promote the understanding that learning occurs only inside a person. According to Siemens,
Siemens' connectivism incorporates ideas from three areas:
Learning is, according to Siemens, “applicable knowledge” that can also reside outside a person (within a database or an organization). He also views on the learning process, in terms of nodes and links between them, as on establishing connections (links) to specialized nodes (information sources). Purpose of connectivist learning is current, up-to-date knowledge, since it can change in time.
Nodes can represent virtually anything (a community, individual, …), and the stronger the connection is, the faster the 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 Siemens' “Connectivism: Learning as Network-Creation”, elements and characteristics of a network include:
Connections between the nodes can depend on various factors which make them stronger or weaker:
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.