Connectivism: A model of learning for the digital age
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Connectivism: A model of learning for the digital age

Connectivism promotes learning that takes place in social environments other than a person, such as social media, online communities, blogs, or knowledge databases

Post by on Sunday, July 17, 2022

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A learning theory called connectivism recognizes the influence of technology, society, interpersonal networks and employment-related activities. It claims that the development of online browsers, search engines, social media, etc. has changed learning. Connectivism is a relatively new learning theory that suggests learners should mingle thoughts, theories and general information in a very useful manner. It acknowledges that technology plays a significant role in the learning process and that staying connected all the time allows us to make decisions about our learning. Additionally, it encourages group participation and conversation, allowing for many points of view and views when it comes to making decisions, solving problems and understanding information. Connectivism promotes learning that takes place in social environments other than a person, such as social media, online communities, blogs, or knowledge databases.

 

Understanding Connectivism is one thing; using it in educational activities in the classroom is quite another. Keep in mind that with a connectivist perspective, the learner assumes more responsibility for their own learning. Contrary to conventional teaching strategies and other ideas like constructivism or cognitivism, educators' roles are to support students in becoming powerful agents of their own learning and growth. In other words, it is the learner's responsibility to design their own learning experience, make decisions and develop their learning networks. The first stage in establishing a connectivist classroom is to increase options for digital learning, such as online courses, webinars, social networks and blogs. Connectivism primarily relies on technology. Both the student and the educator can benefit from connectivism in the classroom. If you’re considering adopting this theory in your current or future classroom, consider the following benefits. It fosters teamwork.

According to connectivism, learning happens when peers connect and cooperate to share ideas, opinions and viewpoints. Through connectivism, a group of individuals can give their actions legitimacy, enabling information to flow more swiftly throughout other communities. It empowers students and teachers. Connectivism shifts the learning responsibilities from the teacher to the student. It’s up to the learner to create their own learning experience. The role of the educator then becomes to “create learning ecologies, shape communities, and release learners into the environment” (Siemens, 2003). It embraces diversity. Connectivism supports individual perspectives and the diversity of opinions, theoretically providing for no hierarchy in the value of knowledge. It is a theory of technological age that aids in learning. It integrates internet technologies in to the learning process. Siemens describes connectivism as, “the model of learning for the digital age where learning is no longer an internal, individualistic activity, which manifests itself in all aspects of human life.”  It is a learning theory that is necessary as a response to digital and networked technologies. Thus we can conclude that connectivism is a learning theory that creates new learning opportunities for students all over the world by using latest digital technologies. So the teacher should encourage the student to discover their own connections between seemingly discrete information, using different means e.g. twitter, wikis, blogs, open educational resources etc.

 

 

(Author is Research Scholar, Kashmir University. Email: loneshowkat440@gmail.com)