Connectivism

Overview
That knowledge is available in the world and it is not important to know all of the information but where to find it out, building and nurturing connections to information and the “ability to see connections between fields, ideas and concepts is a core skill” (Siemens, 2004).

Key Theorists

Siemens

Downes (Wikipedia, 2010)

Strength
Shows that students do not need to retain all of the information but know where to find it, be it via internet or other means. Shows importance of ICT and that there is an enormous amount of information available in the world and that students do not need to internalise all of it.

Weakness
Students may not see the importance to learn or internalise information but rely too heavily on other sources, be they reliable or not. Internet protocols need to be carefully followed so students do not connect with undesirable people or information (see Internet security).

Opportunity
Show how great people including politicians do not know all of the information about a subject but rely on other more knowledgeable people and that students can do the same thing.

Threat
Students need to know how to determine validity, currency, integrity and relevance of information or they may quote something they have learned as fact but it is merely a persons’ opinion. Security threat, student may connect with a paedophile or undesirable people.

Personal reflection
ICT is huge and students need to know how to use it safely and not be unwilling participants in unsavory activities, or become victims of paedophiles. This will be an integral part of learning in the future. Realistically everyone cannot remember all things but everyone can access the information to be able to complete almost any task. Students need to know how to be safe and utilise information.

Siemens, G. (2004). Connectivism: A learning theory for the digital age. Retrieved 16 November, 2010, from http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/connectivism.htm

Wikipedia. (2010). Connectivism (learning theory). Retrieved 16 November, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Connectivism_%28learning_theory%29