CONNECTIVISM

PREPARED BY ANNA TYMOSHENKO AND DARIA ZALOZNA

DEFINITION

Connectivism is a relatively new

learning theory that suggests students
should combine thoughts, theories,
and general information in a useful
manner. It accepts that technology is a
major part of the learning process.
HISTORY OF CONNECTIVISM
LEARNING THEORY

Connectivism was first introduced in

2005 by two theorists, George Siemens
and Stephen Downes. Siemens’ article
Connectivism: Learning as a Network
Creation was published online in 2004
and Downes’ article An Introduction to
Connective Knowledge was published the
following year.
 According to connectivism, learning is more than our
WHAT ARE NODES own internal construction of knowledge. Rather,
what we can reach in our external networks is also

AND LINKS IN considered to be learning. From this theory, two

terms—nodes and links—have been commonly

CONNECTIVISM? used to describe how we gain and connect

information in a network.
 WHAT ARE THE
Learning and knowledge
rests in the diversity of
opinions.
PRINCIPLES OF
Learning is a process
CONNECTIVISM?
of connecting.

Learning may reside in

non-human appliances.

Connectivism builds on already-

Learning is more
established theories to propose that
critical than knowing. technology is changing what, how,
and where we learn. In their research,
Nurturing and Siemens and Downes identified eight
maintaining connections
are needed for continual
principles of connectivism.
learning.
Accurate, up-to-date knowledge is the
aim of all connectivist learning. Decision-
making is a learning process. What we
know today might change tomorrow. While
there’s a right answer now, it might be
wrong tomorrow due to the constantly
changing information climate.

Before these principles came on the scene,

many theories positioned students solely as
receivers of information. However,
connectivism supports the theory that
knowledge is distributed across networks
where connections and connectedness
inform learning.
CONNECTIVISM IN THE
CLASSROOM

Remember that in a connectivist Connectivism relies

viewpoint, the new learning
responsibilities shift from the
teacher to the learner. Unlike
traditional teaching methods
and other theories like
constructivism or cognitivism,
the educator’s job is to guide
students to become effective
agents for their own learning
and personal development.
heavily on technology, so
the first step to creating a
connectivist classroom is
to introduce more
opportunities for digital
learning—like online
courses, webinars, social
networks, and blogs.
CONNECTIVISM

WAYS TO INCORPORATE
CONNECTIVISM IN THE CLASSROOM

01 Social media 02 Gamification 03 Simulations

WHAT ARE THE PROS OF
CONNECTIVISM?

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:
· creates collaboration
· empowers students and teachers
· embraces diversity
Whether you’re already a teacher or aspire to be one, understanding
this theory can give you additional tools and strategies to create a
learning environment that sets your students up for success
THANKS FOR YOUR
ATTENTION
PREPARED BY ANNA TYMOSHENKO AND DARIA ZALOZNA