Connectivism is a learning theory proposed for the digital age where learning and knowledge rest in diversity of opinions and connections. According to the theory, learning involves making connections between information from various sources including people, machines, and media. Teachers act as curators who facilitate and nurture these connections rather than being the sole experts. The focus shifts from knowledge acquisition to developing skills for effectively navigating networks, broadening connections, and pattern recognition.

1. A Learning Theory for the
Digital Age
Source: http://it-sector.blogspot.ca/2010/04/andstill-they-hurt.html
Presenters: Brad Moffat & Jennifer Rimnyak

2. • George Siemens
Source:
http://socialmediatoday.com/erasersm/10
8658/connectivism-and-connectiveknowledge-george-siemens-stephendownes
• Steven Downes
Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steph
en_Downes

3. • Knowledge is growing exponentially
• Computers can perform cognitive functions for us
• Learning communities and organizations as
complex networks
• Advent of social media and informal learning

4. • Learning is making connections
between “nodes”.
• information, people, machines, images, feelings, just about
anything.
• Students learn to build, adjust and maintain the strength
and complexity of connections.
• Learning to handle larger volumes of volatile
nodes produces - emergent properties

5. • 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.
Source: Siemens (2004)

6. • 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.
Source: Siemens (2004)

8. • Teacher as network hub/Teacher as curator
• Influences & shapes the network
• Facilitates and nurtures connections (human/nonhuman)
• Not the sole content expert
Source:
http://www.dobleveta.com/marketing-de-

9. • Dialogue is the platform for collaborative thinking
• Constant exposure to new, conflicting, current
ideas
• Openness and shared experiences & resources
• Enhances network diversity
• Strengthens network connections
Source:
http://www.quadmediaventures.com/

10. • Static knowledge acquisition – no longer main
goal of education
• Focus shifts to SKILLS for the modern world:
• “Know-where”
• Using your network
effectively
• Broadening your network
• Evaluating “worthiness”
• Pattern recognition
• Synthesis
• Negotiation
Source: http://djtech.wikispaces.com/
Bloom's+Taxonomy

11. • http://itforum.coe.uga.edu/Paper105/Siemens.pdf
• http://www.downes.ca/post/33034
• http://library.wcsu.edu/dspace/bitstream/0/487/1/
• http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/523/1103
• http://online.upaep.mx/campusTest/ebooks/CONECTIVEKNOWLED
GE.pdf

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1. Marais,Nalize. (2010). Connectivism as learning theory: the force behind changed teaching practice in higher
education. Education, Knowledge & Economy, Vol. 4, No. 3,173–182.
2. Ravenscroft, Andrew. (2011). Dialogue and Connectivism: A New Approach to Understanding and Promoting Dialogue-Rich
Networked Learning. International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning. Vol. 12.3. 139-160.
3. Tschofen,C., & Mackness, J. (2012). Connectivisn and Dimensions of Individual Experience. The International Review of Research in
Open and Distance Learning. Vol 13, No 1. 124-143.
4. Ozan, O. (2013). SCAFFOLDING IN CONNECTIVIST MOBILE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT. Turkish Online Journal of Distance
Education-TOJDE ISSN 1302-6488 Volume: 14 Number: 2 Article 1.44-55.
5. Siemens,George. (2008). Learning and Knowing in Networks: Changing roles for Educators and Designers. Presented to ITFORUM
for Discussion, January 27. 1-26.
6. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Connectivism_(learning_theory) 2013:10.
7. http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/networks.htm 2013:10.
8. http://www.downes.ca/post/33034 2013:10.
9. http://itforum.coe.uga.edu/Paper105/Siemens.pdf 2013:10.
10. http://www.downes.ca/post/33034 2013:10.
11. http://library.wcsu.edu/dspace/bitstream/0/487/1/ 2013:10.
12. http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/523/1103 2013:10.
13. http://online.upaep.mx/campusTest/ebooks/CONECTIVEKNOWLEDGE.pdf 2013:10.
14. https://www.hetl.org/wp-content/uploads/gravity_forms/2-298b245759ca2b0fab82a867d719cbae/2013/01/Connectivism-hand-out.pdf