George Siemens: The Theory of Connectivism ED 530 Theorist Presentation Fall Semester 2010 Nathan Shorb

Background and Biographical Info Photo by S. Downes, George Siemens Born in Mexico, now living and working in Canada Founder and President of Complexive Systems Inc. Author of Knowing Knowledge (2006), and Handbook of Emerging Technologies for Learning (2009) Worked as Associate Director of the Learning Technologies Centre at University of Manitoba Now works with Technology Enhanced Knowledge Research Institute at Athabasca University

Background and Biographical Info Photo by S. Downes, George Siemens Researcher working to develop “integrated learning structures for global strategy execution” Works as a “social media strategist” involving “planning, researching, and implementing social networked technologies, focusing on systemic impact and institutional change”

Background and Biographical Info Photo by S. Downes, George Siemens Learn more about his current work: ◦TEKRI at Athabasca UniversityTEKRI ◦elearnspace.orgelearnspace.org

Theory of Connectivism What is Connectivism? A learning theory first presented by Siemens and Stephen Downes in 2005 Takes into account changes in learning due to technology, not included in most common theories such as behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism Considers increase of information, knowledge, and its sources in the digital age

Theory of Connectivism Past theories think of learning as mostly an individualized and internal process Now, learning theories must include the use of technology (storing, supplying and manipulating information) and making connections, as well as creating useful information patterns Connectivism views learning as building and using a network, not stockpiling information in and for oneself

The Network of Connectivism Network = connections between entities Pieces of knowledge (including their sources) are connected to create an integrated whole Competition exists as some “nodes” of information are more valuable than others Strong and weak connections may be equally as valuable at some point The ability to retrieve information and use connections is key

Foundation of Connectivism Learning can reside outside oneself within our ever-changing networks Presence of connections more important than our current level of knowledge Change in networks is not necessarily under our control Most important: discerning relevance of information and criticalness of changes

Principles of Connectivism As stated by Siemens: ◦Learning and knowledge rests in a diversity of opinions. ◦Learning is a process of connecting specialized information sources. ◦Learning may reside in non-human appliances. ◦Capacity to know more is more important than what is currently known. ◦Nurturing and maintaining connections is needed for continual learning. ◦Ability to see connections between fields and ideas is a core skill. ◦Staying accurate and current is the intent of all connectivist learning activities. ◦Decision-making is part of the learning process. What is good and true today could very well change tomorrow because of the factors surrounding the decision.

Implications of Connectivism Management and leadership: diverse teams are important for fostering and exploring ideas Media, news, information: challenged by new technologies being open, real-time, and two-way Personal knowledge management considers organizational knowledge management Design of learning environments: collaborative rather than static

Conclusions of Connectivism “Our ability to learn what we need for tomorrow is more important than what we know today. A real challenge for any learning theory is to actuate known knowledge at the point of application. When knowledge, however, is needed, but not known, the ability to plug into sources to meet the requirements becomes a vital skill. As knowledge continues to grow and evolve, access to what is needed is more important than what the learner currently possesses.” -Siemens

References “About George Siemens,” elearnspace.org. January 8, “Connectivism,” Wikipedia.org. December 23, “George Siemens,” Wikipedia.org. December 14, Siemens, George. “Connectivism:A Learning Theory for the Digital Age.” Instructional Technology and Distance Learning. January Siemens, George. “Learning in Synch with Life: New Models, New Processes.” Accessed February 1, er.pdf er.pdf