Connectivism Key Information

Connectivism is a new learning theory and still in the process of being fully developed. There is an ongoing conversation on George Siemens connectivism site through a blog, wiki, discussion forum, and email list. The idea of learning through the network is actively demonstrated through these conversations.

Criticism of Connectivism

Connectivism is not without controversy or critique though. One such critique is Pløn Verhagen’s Connectivism: a new learning theory? (doc). Verhagen argues that connectivism is a pedagogical view and not a learning theory that focuses on the curriculum level rather than the instructional level. The idea of knowledge stored in “non-human appliances” is also criticized by Verhagen as not really new; after all, people have stored information in books for centuries.

Response to Criticism

In response to Verhagen’s critique, Siemens wrote Connectivism: Learning Theory or Pastime for the Self-Amused? (also available in Word format with formatting suitable for printing). Siemens expands his theory of connectivism here based on his conversations with others. One of his criticisms of Verhagen’s review is that it appeared to be based just on Siemens’ original article and did not include any information from the blog, wiki, or more recent conversations.