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What is connectivism?
This is a learning theory based on the idea that much of our learning goes on in the world and not just in our heads. We as individuals do not solely control the learning that takes place. Learning now occurs in a variety of ways providing insights into the new tools needed to help the learner flourish in a digital age. It can occur through various forms of practice, personal learning networks, and through completion of work-related tasks.


 * Principles of Connectivism: ** (as taken from [|elearnspace.org])
 * Learning and knowledge rests in diversity of opinions.
 * Learning is a process of connecting specialized nodes or information sources.
 * Learning may reside in non-human appliances.
 * Capacity to know more is more critical than what is currently known
 * Nurturing and maintaining connections is needed to facilitate continual learning.
 * Ability to see connections between fields, ideas, and concepts is a core skill.
 * Currency (accurate, up-to-date knowledge) is the intent of all connectivist learning activities.
 * Decision-making is itself a learning process. Choosing what to learn and the meaning of incoming information is seen through the lens of a shifting reality. While there is a right answer now, it may be wrong tomorrow due to alterations in the information climate affecting the decision.

It is a model of learning that promotes and recognizes the positive impacts that new tools and changes can impact on the previous individualistic learner. It is a theory that [|Siemen's]offered as an alternative to behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism.
 * Is Connectivism a Learning Theory? **

A teacher can implement connectivism in the classroom through group work and whole class discussions. The teacher takes on more of a facilitator role in the classroom, enabling the students to make connections on their own. The teacher needs to create a learning environment that fits the students. This also means that teachers need to be offering a multitude of opportunities for students to collaborate. They also need to have access to a variety of resources, especially digital ones.
 * Connectivism and Teaching **

Below are some examples of digital tools that can be used in the classroom to promote the theory of connectivism.
 * Facebook
 * Wikis
 * Blogs
 * E-mail
 * Voicethread
 * del.icio.us
 * Twitter

Connectivism is essential in preparing students for the digital aged future that lies ahead of them. The true starting point for the student lies within themselves. Knowledge can be acquired through interactions between students, professionals, teachers and different technologies. Students are making their own connections through activities and processes, rather than being given information. This gives the students the opportunities to connect their information to situations as opposed to trying to memorize and regurgitate it. Making strong connections through their own learning promotes motivation and depth of learning.
 * Connectivism and Students **

Resources
[] [] [] [] [|Downes Blog] [] [] []