1. Connectivism:
A Learning Theory
Prepared By: Birte Boock and James Stewart
For AQ Fall 2011-2012
Online Teaching and Learning

2. What it is
 A new theory positing that learning and
knowledge are based on networks– think of
this course, the Internet, and other
communication devices that have exploded
in our times.
 Knowledge is universal and available to all
through data networks (nodes) linking
learners, allowing natural, collaborative
information sharing and knowledge
building.
 Learning takes place in a constant state of
flux and that must always be taken into
account.

3. Impact on Learners
 Learning is having a curious mind, actively making
decisions, a life long process, which is an end in
itself.
 Learning is
seeing, making, maintaining, connections, consistentl
y striving to connect fields, ideas, and concepts.
 Learning is knowing and growing, always aiming to
add to that which is already known.

4. Impact on Teachers
 Teachers need to be aware of the technology and
knowledge available to them and their students and use
it.
 Students will drive their own learning because of the
connections available today to knowledge networks.
 Engagement from the teacher in the network is
important.
 The learning is the network.
Learning is
the
Network

5. From the research…
 “New learning environments are informing present and future
trends from which both educators and students stand to
benefit. Moreover, the way in which global networks and
communities of interest are currently being formed through
emerging technologies is encouraging young people, in
particular, to develop new, creative, and different forms of
communication and knowledge creation outside formal
education.”
-Rita Copp and Adrian Hill (2008) (before Twitter took off!)

6. The Future Is Now
 Principal theorists are Canadians: George Siemens and
Stephen Downes of the University of Manitoba
Some Key Sources:
1. International Review of Research on Open and
Distance Learning (http://.irrodl.org)
2. http://elearnspace.org/media/WhatIsConnectivism/pl
ayer.html
3. http://www.slideshare.net/Downes/xmooc-the-
massive-open-online-course-in-theory-and-in-practice