Connect to each other, connect to knowledge

Connectivism is a learning theory that sees knowledge as a network. It argues that we take concepts and form conceptual connections to build upon previous information. The network forming process translates into complex learning and happens through social connectiveness. This creates a need for social interactions, as we learn from our connections with one another and these connections generate a network that amplifies the learning experience for all involved. Connectivism focuses on digital networks and learning through these social spaces, like Facebook, Twitter, email, and countless other communities that use the internet to pass information. Here is a helpful video that I found that describes Connectivism in a very accessible way.

                The ISTE Standards for Washington seem to back up much of the ideas that are put forth in connectivism. It emphasizes integrating technology across core curricula and promoting digitally literate students, both of which would make more sense in a connected classroom environment. These should lead to a more personalized learning experience for students as they are able to develop knowledge networks of their own to coincide with the digital networks they are forming in and out of class. The standards highlight how the use of technology should be a seamless part of the learning process, so teachers will have to work hard to figure out how to incorporate the technology in a way that facilitates the learning connections, while maintaining the flow and pace of the class.

I see a lot of benefit to keeping connectivism at the forefront of educator’s minds when designing and implementing lessons. It seems to prioritize learning over knowing, which would make sense in the “just in time” model of education. Students need to learn how to learn, rather than learn a bunch of miscellaneous information, which makes sense in a world where you are constantly connected to an almost infinite amount of data. The learning won’t come from just one source, as it shouldn’t, and connectivism leaves the door open for a variety of opinions. There isn’t one right answer or way to do things, yet we tell that to our students when we only gather information from a textbook and nothing else. The wealth of diversity of knowledge when you focus on the possible connections can create an exciting learning environment for students as they get to take information into their own hands and discover what truth looks like in that topic.