Connectivism is a learning theory developed by George Siemens and Stephen Downes that argues knowledge exists throughout a network and learning occurs as connections are formed within that network. The theory was proposed in response to limitations of existing learning theories in the digital age where knowledge and information grow exponentially. According to connectivism, learning is a process of connecting specialized information sources, and the ability to construct and evaluate the relevance of connections is important. Technology plays an integral role by facilitating networked learning and sharing of experiences.

1. CONNECTIVISM
By: Naomi and Maya

2. What is Connectivism?
 The idea that knowledge
exists everywhere and is
accessed and organized by
the learner.
 Learning is the process of
creating connections and
developing a network.
 Part of learning is
considering the value of
information, and
determining if it is useful.

3. History of Connectivism
 George Siemens (2004/2005), along with
Stephen Downes argued that the current
learning theories were limiting, and suggested
that a new theory was needed.
 The amount of knowledge in
the world is increasing at an
extraordinary rate, and the
ability to discern important
from unimportant is
increasingly a modern skill
worth developing.
George Siemens

4. Evolution of Connectivism
 Technology has become quite prevalent in
education, and it was necessary to alter the
theories to be more up to date.
 A new theory was
crucial to keep up with
the changing technology
and the diverse needs of
the net generation.

5. Connectivism
 Technology is an integral part of learning, and
its use can be limited though the lenses of
older theories.
 Networked learning allows experiences to be
shared and learning to be more effective.
 Information is all connected, and the extreme
amounts can lead to chaos.
 Connectivism attempts to integrate the realities
of our modern connected world into a process
that redefines learning.

6. Principles of Connectivism
 Learning and knowledge rests in diversity of
opinions.
 Learning is a process of connecting information
from specialists.
 Learning may reside in non-human appliances.
 Capacity to know more is more critical than what
is currently known
 Connections are needed to facilitate continual
learning.
 Ability to see connections between information is
a core skill.
 Decision-making is itself a learning process.

7. Connectivism as a Unifier

8. Impact on Education
 Positive
Information are readily available
 Negative
Retention of information is no longer important

9. Impact on education cont.
 Positive
Building a network of new connections
 Negative
Connections lose their value over time

10. Impact on education cont.
 Positive
Students are the main focus of the learning
process
 Negative
Many ambiguous information available

11. References
 https://education-2020.wikispaces.com/Connectivism
 Elements of Connectivism by Steven Downes -
http://www.slideshare.net/Downes/elements-of-
connectivism
 Siemens, George, Connectivism: A Learning Theory
for the Digital Age December 12, 2004.
 John Barnett, Vance McPherson, and Rachel M.
Sandieson :Connected teaching and learning: The
uses and implications of connectivism in an online
class, Australasian Journal of Educational Technology,
2013, 29(5).
 Siemens, George, Connectivism: Learning Theory or
Pastime of the Self-Amused? November 12, 2006

12. Questions?