Connectivism is a theory that postulates the notion that learning can no longer be regarded as an “internal, individualistic activity” (Siemens, 2004) but a collaborative activity that relies heavily on the use of ubiquitous digital tools that characterize our contemporary knowledge-based society. The creation of connections and development of a network are regarded as critical elements of the learning process. My personal learning network relies heavily on the use of the web, not only as a reservoir of information but also a two-way medium for communication and collaboration.
The way I learn is no longer restricted by time and space. Not only am I able to learn twenty four hours a day, seven days a week but also collaborate far and wide, even with people I might never have a chance to meet in person. There are a number of digital tools that facilitate my learning, key among them being the search engine, digital libraries and social media such as blogs, social networking and video sharing sites. Social media have of late become an important source of my learning. Some of the benefits of social media include ease of accessing and updating information at very little or virtually no cost. However, whilst there are a number of valuable social media resources, one needs to develop skills to sieve the right and credible information from the multifarious information sources, some of which can be misleading. A tool that I have always found invaluable when I need to explore and gain new knowledge is the search engine since it provides me with a gateway to sources of information that I might not have used before.
The digital age has dawned and connectivism has been proposed as the “learning theory for the digital age” (Siemens, 2004). Whilst there is debate on whether connectivism is a theory or pedagogical view (Kop & Hill, 2008; Verhagen, 2006), nonetheless, the principles that are advocated by connectivism require serious consideration.
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Kop, R. & Hill, A. (2008). Connectivism: Learning theory of the future or vestige of the past?
The International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning. 3(9).
Siemens, G. (2004). Connectivism: A Learning theory for the digital age.
Retrieved from http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/connectivism.htm
Verhagen, P. (2006). Connectivism: A new learning theory?
Retrieved from http://elearning.surf.nl/e-learning/english/3793
Thank you for a wonderful post and an excellent example of your connected map. I had not considered online news channels and newspapers, but they are valuable sources of information.
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