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George Siemens: The Theory of Connectivism

George Siemens: The Theory of Connectivism. ED 530 Theorist Presentation Fall Semester 2010 Nathan Shorb. George Siemens Born in Mexico, now living and working in Canada Founder and President of Complexive Systems Inc.

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George Siemens: The Theory of Connectivism

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  1. George Siemens:The Theory of Connectivism ED 530 Theorist Presentation Fall Semester 2010 Nathan Shorb

  2. George Siemens • Born in Mexico, now living and working in Canada • Founder and President of Complexive Systems Inc. • Author of Knowing Knowledge (2006), and Handbook of Emerging Technologies for Learning (2009) • Worked as Associate Director of the Learning Technologies Centre at University of Manitoba • Now works with Technology Enhanced Knowledge Research Institute at Athabasca University Background and Biographical Info Photo by S. Downes, http://www.elearnspace.org/about.htm

  3. George Siemens • Researcher working to develop “integrated learning structures for global strategy execution” • Works as a “social media strategist” involving “planning, researching, and implementing social networked technologies, focusing on systemic impact and institutional change” Background and Biographical Info Photo by S. Downes, http://www.elearnspace.org/about.htm

  4. George Siemens • Learn more about his current work: • TEKRI at Athabasca University • elearnspace.org Background and Biographical Info Photo by S. Downes, http://www.elearnspace.org/about.htm

  5. What is Connectivism? • A learning theory first presented by Siemens and Stephen Downes in 2005 • Takes into account changes in learning due to technology, not included in most common theories such as behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism • Considers increase of information, knowledge, and its sources in the digital age Theory of Connectivism

  6. Past theories think of learning as mostly an individualized and internal process • Now, learning theories must include the use of technology (storing, supplying and manipulating information) and making connections, as well as creating useful information patterns • Connectivism views learning as building and using a network, not stockpiling information in and for oneself Theory of Connectivism

  7. Network = connections between entities • Pieces of knowledge (including their sources) are connected to create an integrated whole • Competition exists as some “nodes” of information are more valuable than others • Strong and weak connections may be equally as valuable at some point • The ability to retrieve information and use connections is key The Network of Connectivism

  8. Learning can reside outside oneself within our ever-changing networks • Presence of connections more important than our current level of knowledge • Change in networks is not necessarily under our control • Most important: discerning relevance of information and criticalness of changes Foundation of Connectivism

  9. As stated by Siemens: • Learning and knowledge rests in a diversity of opinions. • Learning is a process of connecting specialized information sources. • Learning may reside in non-human appliances. • Capacity to know more is more important than what is currently known. • Nurturing and maintaining connections is needed for continual learning. • Ability to see connections between fields and ideas is a core skill. • Staying accurate and current is the intent of all connectivist learning activities. • Decision-making is part of the learning process. What is good and true today could very well change tomorrow because of the factors surrounding the decision. Principles of Connectivism

  10. Management and leadership: diverse teams are important for fostering and exploring ideas • Media, news, information: challenged by new technologies being open, real-time, and two-way • Personal knowledge management considers organizational knowledge management • Design of learning environments: collaborative rather than static Implications of Connectivism

  11. “Our ability to learn what we need for tomorrow is more important than what we know today. A real challenge for any learning theory is to actuate known knowledge at the point of application. When knowledge, however, is needed, but not known, the ability to plug into sources to meet the requirements becomes a vital skill. As knowledge continues to grow and evolve, access to what is needed is more important than what the learner currently possesses.” -Siemens Conclusions of Connectivism

  12. “About George Siemens,” elearnspace.org. January 8, 2010. http://www.elearnspace.org/about.htm • “Connectivism,” Wikipedia.org. December 23, 2009. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Connectivism • “George Siemens,” Wikipedia.org. December 14, 2009. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Siemens • Siemens, George. “Connectivism:A Learning Theory for the Digital Age.” Instructional Technology and Distance Learning. January 2005. http://www.itdl.org/Journal/Jan_05/article01.htm • Siemens, George. “Learning in Synch with Life: New Models, New Processes.” Accessed February 1, 2010. http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/google_whitepaper.pdf References

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