Connectivism

Created by Margaret Maag (University of San Francisco) on March 3, 2005

I had some time to read George Siemen's paper on connectivism yesterday. Connectivism, coined as the learning theory for today's learner, may be better understood by reading Siemen's paper at http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/connectivism.htm

There is also a website and a connectivism blog at
http://www.connectivism.ca/

The theory makes sense because it emphasizes that learning is a social event and occurs in organizations. So, there I was this evening sitting in on a DE course facilitated by Ray Schroeder at the U of Illinois and students from Columbia University in New York City. Actually, there was a student in class from Korea, as well. I observerd their communication pattern and then the topic of online vs. f2f came up. A student asked: If we have online courses in school are we not missing the social aspect of f2f contact? After 30 minutes of observing this online chat and playing in the whiteboard garden, a social network evolved and connectivity was happening right before my eyes. A student driven culture was so apparent. The way they communicated and questioned common social behaviors, such as multitasking, etc.
Distance education does provide a "social" group environment and connection and actually it is very similar to f2f learning environments. Sometimes we do not realize that we are creating community in a society that is driven by technology.

I am thankful for George Siemen's theory of connectivity! It makes sense to me.

Margaret's blog
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Re: Connectivism

Submitted by Raymond E. Schroeder (University of Illinois at Springfield) on March 4, 2005 - 3:34am.

Margaret-

Great Blog! Thanks for your insights in this posting.

I agree that George Siemen's emerging learning theory is going to have a huge impact in our field. The theory seems to apply much of Harold Innis / Marshall McLuhan communication theory to the 21st century learning proces.

-ray

		Connectivism Created by Margaret Maag (University of San Francisco) on March 3, 2005 I had some time to read George Siemen's paper on connectivism yesterday. Connectivism, coined as the learning theory for today's learner, may be better understood by reading Siemen's paper at http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/connectivism.htm There is also a website and a connectivism blog at http://www.connectivism.ca/ The theory makes sense because it emphasizes that learning is a social event and occurs in organizations. So, there I was this evening sitting in on a DE course facilitated by Ray Schroeder at the U of Illinois and students from Columbia University in New York City. Actually, there was a student in class from Korea, as well. I observerd their communication pattern and then the topic of online vs. f2f came up. A student asked: If we have online courses in school are we not missing the social aspect of f2f contact? After 30 minutes of observing this online chat and playing in the whiteboard garden, a social network evolved and connectivity was happening right before my eyes. A student driven culture was so apparent. The way they communicated and questioned common social behaviors, such as multitasking, etc. Distance education does provide a "social" group environment and connection and actually it is very similar to f2f learning environments. Sometimes we do not realize that we are creating community in a society that is driven by technology. I am thankful for George Siemen's theory of connectivity! It makes sense to me. Blog (WebLog) \| E-Learning \| Teaching and Learning Margaret's blog Login or register to post comments 4306 reads Re: Connectivism Submitted by Raymond E. Schroeder (University of Illinois at Springfield) on March 4, 2005 - 3:34am. Margaret- Great Blog! Thanks for your insights in this posting. I agree that George Siemen's emerging learning theory is going to have a huge impact in our field. The theory seems to apply much of Harold Innis / Marshall McLuhan communication theory to the 21st century learning proces. -ray Login or register to post comments
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