According to connectivism, learning takes place by connecting nodes of information.
Connectivism is a learning theory focused on the digital world. According to this epistemological position, learning is generated from the connections that exist within a network .
Interconnected nodes
Different nodes or information sources, in this framework, are connected within a network to produce knowledge . Continuous learning is achieved when these connections are fostered and sustained over time .
In the structure proposed by connectivism, therefore, the nodes are data , information , organizations , etc. that are interconnected. The creation of these connections and the expansion of the complexity of the network constitute what is understood by learning .
Learning Evolution
Until not long ago, the knowledge that a person acquired was valid for the rest of their life. After his student years, he could access a job that would last until retirement . However, the current reality is very different.
Knowledge has a very short useful life, since there are many more research and development projects in the modern world, which advance at a faster speed thanks to new technologies. Information becomes obsolete in a short time , and this is where connectivism becomes especially useful, because it allows us to learn from a wide variety of different sources, beyond traditional institutions.
Today, learning does not stop when we receive our diploma, but continues for the rest of our lives. Furthermore, unlike the professions of the past, the current ones are not rigid, but also require frequent training , so that there is no longer such a clear line that divides work from study.
The new technologies
It is often stated that connectivism, postulated by George Siemens and Stephen Downes , considers how the changes introduced by the Internet and new technologies had an impact on the field of education . Information and communication technologies led to great changes in society in general and the educational field was no exception.
According to Siemens and Downes , teaching must have a different approach from the traditional one to encompass this new reality . Connectivism explains how knowledge is distributed through connection networks and states that learning depends on the ability to travel through these networks.
Fundamental principles
According to Siemens, connectivism is based on various principles, such as the following:
* the variety of opinions is essential for learning;
* chaos and learning theories are linked;
* to enhance the learning process we must access more than one information node;
* by learning we can also teach, since in the cycle we share our new knowledge and discoveries with the network that helped us;
* Today, almost all of our daily activities can become sources of learning, including Internet searches;
* the ability to search for information is more important than knowledge, since it opens the doors to infinite learning;
* we must maintain networks to promote continuity of learning;
* Another relevant skill is to see the connections between different topics.
Knowing how to search is more useful than knowledge itself.
Beyond the human being
Another important principle of connectivism indicates that knowledge can be found beyond the human being . This means that it is possible to learn from machines or other types of resources, and not just from people.
It should be noted that, for some theorists, connectivism is not actually a theory , but simply a pedagogical view . There are those who believe, on the other hand, that technological developments do not demand the development of new learning theories.