Connectivism

Connectivism is a contemporary learning theory that emphasizes the role of technology and interconnected networks. This learning theory understands the rapid change of digital landscape. Connectivism is built on how learners construct their knowledge by navigating and sharing information through various networks. Connectivism retains the constructivism assertion, where learners are responsible for their own learning while the educator guides the student to help answer questions when needed.

Key Researchers

Connectivism is a contemporary learning theory first introduced in 2005, by Goerge Simens and Stephen Downes.

George Siemens (1970)- George Simens’ published an article titled Connectivism: Learning as a Network Creation. Siemens focuses on the social aspects of Connectivism.

Stephen Downes (1959)- Downes published an article in 2005 titled A Introduction to Connective Knowledge. Downes focuses on on-human appliances and machine-based learning.

Both key researchers believe learners are active participants while engaging in diverse sources, sharing their insights, and building their understanding. Students are connected to experience that occurs within a networked environment. Furthermore, they both believe that technology plays an important role in the learning process and students now have access to information at an increasing speed.

Implications of Instructional Design

Instructional Designers play a pivotal role when ensuring learners are navigating technology and interconnected networks to build upon a learner’s knowledge. When applying connectivism to E- Learning there are special considerations that should be considered:

1. Get online learners involved in their own learning experience. Each learner should be engaged and active within the E-Learning process. They should be informed of the expectations and how their level of participation has an impact on meeting the expectations and their goals. Instructions should be provided within this phase with tools and resources to enhance the learner’s learning experience.

2. Integrating an online learning community for all learners. During E- learning, learners should be encouraged to engage and communicate with their peers and instructors. Instructors can create forums, discussion boards, and create social groups specifically geared towards the students.

3. Encouraging online learning and educational resources. Instructors can create a blog and post important dates, events, and various E-Learning assessments. Additionally, instructions can be posted with supplemental online learning resources to expand the student’s understanding. Online discussions are also another educational resource. Instructors can post questions online to spark collaboration amongst all learners while engaging with one another.

4. Incorporating real-world problem-solving scenarios. The instruction should include real life task that require learners to tap into their personal learning networks to collaborate with others while learning. This facilitates problem-solving skills and preparation for learners’ future careers.

Benefits vs. Weaknesses

Benefits

Creates collaboration
Learns from peers
Connects with peers
Allows learners to stay up to date with the digital era
Accessible

weaknesses

There Might be learners who are resistant to tech learning
There might be learners who are not actively participating in a group setting
The instructor must have the time to ensure learners are on track and meeting learning objectives
The risk of learners not having the necessary digital literacy skills
Students must take an active role in learning

Personal Learning Network

About the Group:

Delvin Peck has a YouTube channel. He has been an instructional designer since 2017. He helps people who are interested in instructional design, and he provides the basics of instructional design. He has helped over 100,000 people in instructional design.

Benefits:

I became a training coordinator for my department 3 years ago for case managers and prior to this role I was a case manager. Therefore, I knew the material when landing this new position and I have been able to apply my education background when facilitating training. When selecting a PLN, I find Delvin Peck’s YouTube videos very informative. Since I do not have experience in instructional design, Delvin Peck’s videos give me a basic understanding of instructional design which are perfect for me as I am still learning more about this field. His videos are easy to follow and provide basics to instructional design.