-Connectivism

=Connectivism=

====Connectivism is a theory of learning for the digital age. It is based on the principle that learning occurs by making connections within networks. George Siemens and Stephen Downes have extensively studied and promoted this theory of learning. Connectivism learning occurs when a node, which is anything that can be connected to something else, is connected to another node. These connections between nodes form a network consisting of images, facts, lyrics, feelings, people, etc. Nodes and networks are constantly evolving: making new connections and determining their importance and/or unimportance. Nodes, connections, and networks are what faciliates learning for people of all ages, but especially the learners of today with the vast technological advancements.====

====In a 2005 article on [|Connectivism], George Siemens wrote "Connectivism is the integration of prinicples explored by chaos, network, and complexity and self-organization theories." He goes on to say that learning occurs in "environments of shifting core elements," which are "not completely under the control of the individual."====

====The Connectivistic theory of learning is a style of learning specific to each person and their encounters. Their connections and networks are continuously being altered because new "information" is constantly being acquired.====

====Learning 2025 views Connectivism as a theory of learning, which is similar to constructivism, but more focused on the possibilities of learning devices. The following slideshow further describes connectivism and connects it to the use of learning devices. Learning 2025 strongly feels that the use of learning devices, from computers to augmented/virtual reality to gesture based devices, will increase in the future and learners will rely on a variety of devices to expand and organize their learning.====

George Siemens outlined the __**Principles of Connectivism**__ in 2005

 * ====Learning and knowledge rests in diversity of opinions.====
 * ====Learning is a process of connecting specialized nodes or information sources.====
 * ====Learning may reside in non-human appliances.====
 * ====Capacity to know more is more critical than what is currently known====
 * ====Nurturing and maintaining connections is needed to facilitate continual learning.====
 * ====Ability to see connections between fields, ideas, and concepts is a core skill.====
 * ====Currency (accurate, up-to-date knowledge) is the intent of all connectivist learning activities.====
 * ====Decision-making is itself a learning process. Choosing what to learn and the meaning of incoming information is seen through the lens of a shifting reality. While there is a right answer now, it may be wrong tomorrow due to alterations in the information climate affecting the decision.====

====These principles are very important in truly understanding and embracing the theory of Connectivism. Learning 2025 believes that these 8 principles can help to prepare educators and learners alike on the future of learning. "Learning may reside in non-human appliances" is a critical aspect to learning in 2025. Nodes and connections will often be made through the use of technologies and learning devices.====

media type="youtube" key="4BH-uLO6ovI" height="315" width="560" align="right" ====In this video, George Siemens discusses how the "problem of education" does not concern him as much as the "solutions for the problem of education" concern him. He goes on to say "when we think about education, we need systems that permit optimal capacity for connections." Learning 2025 supports this statement. The future of learning requires systems and/or technologies that allow limitless connections to be made throughout the lifespan of a learner. Siemens discusses how the smell of kerosine reminds him of gatherings from his childhood in Mexico. The smell acted as a node to all the other nodes of the time and to nodes of the future as he developed his identity. He also makes a point about traditional theories of learning in which a room of Harvard graduates, had 21 of 23 not being able answer the question of "why we have seasons?" This is an example of informational failure when connections are not being brought together for learning to occur.====

====To learn more about Connectivism, please visit Stephen Downes' [|webpage] and George Siemens' [|blog] both dedicated to this digital age of learning.====