Connectivism

Research about how people learn best online is still developing especially how students learn most effectively in higher education.  The use of the internet and Web2.0 for learning and teaching is less than 15 years old and because of its infancy its application is still developing.  There are however established learning theories which provide the principles that can be used to design online instruction.  

One theory with clear links to the use of Web2.0 is the connectivism learning theory which is based upon the idea that knowledge is shared and connected via technology across networks which are formed and ever developing.  Knowledge then becomes a network product.  As Siemens describes in the video below these connections take place on a very small scale inside our brains and on a much larger, potentially global scale, across the internet via social media.  

The advantages of this network based learning theory are undoubtedly huge and I am only just starting to reap the benefits of social media such as Twitter to develop my knowledge base.  How much of this learning theory is used in my current pedagogical approach?  Very little if I'm honest.  Hopefully some of the Web2.0 tools which I am incorporating into my practice will change this.  My practice is based firmly in the social constructivist approach where I try to include a great deal of collaborative and social learning activities.  Is the connectivism approach theory only the same but based across the internet rather than the table the group are sat around?  Well no I suppose because connectivism allows the learner to make the connections at their own rate, they chose who they connect and share with, whereas working on a table the group (network) is limited and prearranged.  Something to think about though, how can I include a more connectivist learning approach in my sessions or how can I encourage it?