LDTC 600 ~ Learning Theory Units

UNIT 5: Connectivism

During the 20th century, learning theories such as behaviorism, cognitivism and constructivism were developed on the basis of how an individual learns through their own understanding, perception and experience.

While these were key to creating more effective instructional design models, they are focused on the process of learning, rather than the value of what is being learned. With the acceleration of the digital age in the 21st century came the theory of Connectivism ~ that knowledge is not individual, or singular, but connected among networks of people, technological sources and digital assets.

Connectivism demonstrates that learning is not just an internal process but actively connected to the learner's environment. Interactions, collaboration, and participation are active elements in forming a collective intelligence and a network of learning. This theory incorporated the relationship of two previously coined terms:

Digital Literacy ~ the ability to understand and use information in multiple formats from a wide range of sources when presented digitally.
Personal Learning Networks (PLNs) ~ a network of people, spaces, and tools, either online or in-person, that help a person learn.

The art of being human in the age of AI

In this TEDx talk, Dr. George Siemens talks about the intersection of people, nature and technologies, and what it means for our sense of connection, community, and self-identity.

Siemen's TEDx TALK

George Siemens

Dr. George Siemens is a contemporary professor of psychology and researcher of how human and artificial intelligence intersect in knowledge processes. He was born to a strict Mennonite family living in a commune in Mexico and moved to Canada at the age of six. His limited access to traditional education at a young age motivated him to seek knowledge at every opportunity, and inspired his research into how learning experiences are benefited by collaboration with human and digital resources. He introduced his Connectivism theory in a 2004 blog that became published as an online article in 2025 in the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) Journal: "Connectivism: Learning as a network creation."

Stephen Downes

George Siemens

Canadian philosopher and author, Stephen Downes has explored and promoted the use of technology in education, as well as supported and contributed to the Connectivism theory of learning.

Since 2001 Downs has worked with the National Research Council leading research and development projects on eLearning including MOOCs, Learning and Performance Systems (LPSS), Edu-RSS learning content syndication system and others. He developed one of Canada's first web-based courses though the creation of a learning management system (LMS).

His daily onilne newsletter OLDaily is distributed to thousands of subscribers around the world.

Implications, Strengths & Limitations of Connectivism

Connectivism impacts learning by encouraging self-paced and lifelong learning through collaboration. Learners must develop a proficiency in navigating online tools to critically evaluate and utilize knowledge.

For the setting of adult learners, the connectivist approach can have many advantages, because it emphasizes active participation in a learner's network, so they can create and even tailor their learning experiences. This allows for a cohesion of both personal and professional experiences that can influence not just their own learning, but those within their network.

Two researchers from universities in Barcelona (Clarà & Barberà, 2013) examined the theory of connectivism and cited issues with its inability to explain concept development of knowledge and the 'underconceptualization of interaction' referring to Ivan Illich's concerns of 'deschooling society' through MOOCs (massive online open courses).

While a largely accepted model for learning in today's technological environment, connectivism can be challenging for both instructors and learners. Besides the reliance on technology, which may be limited in some areas of the country and the world, there is a learning curve for those that may not have developed an aptitude in seeking online resources, or "digital literacy". Therefore, social and economic factors can impact learning.

Additionally, there are questions on the validity of networking with "personalized" digital resources that can be very perspective-based rather than factual and evidence-based.

References

Clarà, M. & Barberà, E. (2013, September 30). Three problems with the connectivist conception of learning. Journal of Computer Applied Learning. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcal.12040

Downes, S. (2023). About Stephen Downes. https://www.downes.ca/me/#:~:text=Downes%20is%20known%20as%20a,century%20skills%2C%20and%20critical%20literacies.

Garfield, S. (2023, May 19). George Siemens: Profiles in Knowledge. Linkedin Pulse. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/george-siemens-profiles-knowledge-stan-garfield/

Lcom Team (2023, January 26). What is Digital Literacy: Definition and Uses in Daily Life. Learning.com. https://www.learning.com/blog/what-is-digital-literacy-definition-and-uses-in-daily-life/

Shagdar, Z. (2020, July 2). Connectivism - A learning theory [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvhY70C6Drk

Siemens, G. (2005 January). Connectivism: A Learning Theory for the Digital Age. https://jotamac.typepad.com/jotamacs_weblog/files/connectivism.pdf

LDTC 600 ~ Learning Theory Units

UNIT 5: Connectivism

The art of being human in the age of AI

George Siemens

George Siemens

George Siemens

Stephen Downes

George Siemens

George Siemens

Implications, Strengths & Limitations of Connectivism

References

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