Connectivism

I have read the materials, including that by Siemens, on connectivism as a learning theory and I would have to say my first thoughts are certainly positive. I think it encourages and teaches independent critical learning.

I realize that learning is and should be scaffolded by a teacher and I don't see why this can't be done with an approach inclusive of connectivism. I think that as a teacher if you can enable connectivism in your students they will as learners develop and grow in their independence, which will enable skills for real world learning after their formal education comes to a close. It appears to me that connectivism encourages and develops skills in learners that enable critical analysis and connection of information.

The question posed in our engagement activity is "Is connecitivism a learning theory or is it a theory about how learning is best supported?"

Being in the first week of my education course this feels like a big question. I am not sure of the answer but if I consider the other learning theories outlined I start to consider that it stacks up as a learning theory.

Consider Behaviourism and Social Constructivism they both describe how learners learn based on a learning methodology. For example behaviourism discusses practice and positive reinforcement. Social constructivism discusses learning based on experiences, social interaction and collaborative learning.

I think Cognitivism is a little different in that it is more focused on how the brain works and how to build on schemas to encourage learning.

However, based on the fact that I think connectivism has a learning methodology just like behaviourism and social constructivism I believe it should be categorised as a learning theory even though it appears from our tutorials, not everyone in the academic world is in agreeance.

It is not supporting learning, it is in itself teaching a student a certain way to learn. On a basic level, the student learns how to access, critique and connect information using a whole range of skills, contacts and understanding. To me it feels like connectivism opens up the world of learning on a global stage.

This you tube video was in our learning materials and I think it is worth keeping to refer back to.