Learning Theories for the Digital Age
General Overview of Theory
Connectivism
This is the most recent learning theory that is relevant to the Digital age. The main aspect of this theory is the belief that information not only reside in print and people, but also in machines. The theory was developed by George Siemens and Stephan Downes after they observed the impact technology and the internet have on learning. Through technological development, the ways of gaining new information has shifted and will continue to change so, society should therefore, adjust accordingly. In Connectivism, the aspect of research and sharing of information for learning is paramount. Technology has created an avenue for learners to learn and share information across the World Wide Web using different software such as emails, search engines and social media platforms. Siemens (2004) as noted by BC Campus believes that “the collective connections between all ‘nodes’ in a network can lead to new forms of knowledge”. Through technological development, the ways of gaining new information has shifted and will continue change so, society should therefore, adjust accordingly.
Proponents of the Connectivism Theory
George Siemens is known for his work in education in the field of networking, learning, analytics and organizational effectiveness of the digital space.
He wrote the books ‘Knowing Knowledge’ and the ‘Handbooks Of Emerging Technologies for Learning.’ Siemens has been a keynote speaker for education conferences in over thirty (30) countries worldwide and received an honorary doctorate from the Universidad de San Martìn de Porres for his groundbreaking work in network, learning and technology in May, 2012.
He currently works at the Technology Enhanced Knowledge Research Institute at Athabasca University as the Associate Director, leading the research team in learning analytics.
Stephen Downes is another proponent of the connectivism theory who is deemed a specialist in the field of online learning technology and media.
With over twenty five (25) years in the field of developing innovative technology, he launched the Multi-User Domains -MUDs in the 1990s and the Massive Open Online Course -MOOC.
Downes has been working with the National Research Council where he engaged in research and development of e-learning projects.
Tenets of Connectivism
The main tenets of the Connectivism theory implies that:
The diversity of opinions encourage learning and knowledge. Learning and knowledge rests in diversity of opinions
Learning is a process of connecting.
Capacity to know more is more critical than what is currently known
Non-human appliances can contain knowledge. Learning may reside in non-human appliances.
Cultivation and sustenance of connections are desired to enable continual learning.
A core skill is the ability to make connections between ideas, concepts and fields.
Connectivism learning activities are determined by current and accurate knowledge.
Decision-making is itself a learning process (Siemens, 2004).
Learning Activity
In the classroom, a teacher can incorporate the use of connectivism theory by engaging learners in activities that encourages them to do meaningful research for current- accurate information, and sharing same through a digital platform.
For example, the learners can be placed into groups to present a research on multiple intelligences. This project will see to the learners finding and making sense of information found using the different search engines on the internet, social sites, blogs etc. They will then post their findings to a discussion forum where they can engage with their peers and teacher.
References
Bell. F. (2009). Connectivism: a network theory for teaching and learning in a connected world. University of Salford Manchester.
Blessinger. P & Petrova. K. (2013). Exploring Spaces for learning. The International HETL Review Special Issue.
Downes, S. (2010). New technology supporting informal learning. Journal of Emerging Technologies in Web Intelligence.
Downes. S. (2009). About Stephen Downes. Online:
(Accessed: March 09, 2021).
George Siemens. (2012). Biography. Educause, Research Institute, Athabasca University. Online:
https://members.educause.edu/george-siemens
(Accessed: March 09, 2021).
George Siemens. (Undated). Biography of George Siemens for Appearances, Speaking Engagements. AAE Speakers. Online:
https://www.allamericanspeakers.com/celebritytalentbios/George+Siemens/392561
(Accessed: March 09, 2021).
Siemens. G. (2005). Connectivism: A learning theory for the digital age. International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning
Stephen Downes. Digital Image. EMMA. Stephen Downes - The emerging new Consciousness in digital culture.
https://platform.europeanmoocs.eu/course_stephen_downes_the_emerging_
Teaching in a Digital Age. (Undated). Connectivism, BC Campus. Online:
https://opentextbc.ca/teachinginadigitalage/chapter/3-6-connectivism/
(Accessed: March 09, 2021).