Connectivism,
the New Learning Theory
Coming from a background
with limited technology, I was curious to know why I should forgo the
teacher-learner application and adapt to Connectivism. Taking my technology
class and critically assessing my current environment made it clear that
technology is the order of the day. We use technology for transactions in
businesses, and at the workplace for chatting information and in sharing of
vital information. 
The use of Connectivism pedagogy in the classroom, however,
will help students to be abreast with time. Connectivism approach at the school
gives students their independence to assess their network formation and also
the ability to reach out for external connections that may be relevant to their
learning. A typical example of such is when students from the Middle East had
to reach out to Mr. Jeffery in the United States through Skype to get a sense
of the seasons in the year. So, Connectivism approach to learning helps
students to assess to information whenever needed for a holistic understanding
of a concept.
Applying Connectivism
approach in the classroom, however, changes my role from a traditional
classroom teacher (keeper of all knowledge) to a facilitator who with the help
of technology assists students to understand their learning goal in the
classroom.
According to the ISTE standards, an educator is to facilitate, and
that means to supports students to develop a common classroom culture where
students are not afraid to fail, but will instead learn from their mistakes. The facilitator is to also assist students in
setting their learning goal while allowing students to demonstrate their level
of understanding and competency. The facilitator also makes room for
self-reflection where students assess themselves and come up with solutions if
any, that will help them to reach their learning needs.
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