What is the unique idea in Connectivism? « Connectivism - 0 views
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anonymous on 14 Sep 09*Gary then asked a critical question: what is the unique idea in connectivism? *What is new in constructivism, and please provide commentary if you disagree, is that it combined existing ideas into a framework that resonated with the needs and trends of the current era. *But I do think there are unique ideas in connectivism. *All ideas have a heritage. All concepts have roots. A few related to connectivism: *If those elements form the basis of connectivism - and to varying degrees share in the heritage of constructivism and cognitivism - what is it that's unique about connectivism. 1. Connectivism is the application of network principles to define both knowledge and the process of learning. 2. Connectivism addresses the principles of learning at numerous levels - biological/neural, conceptual, and social/external. 3. Connectivism focuses on the inclusion of technology as part of our distribution of cognition and knowledge. 4. Context. While other theories pay partial attention to context, connectivism recognizes the fluid nature of knowledge and connections based on context. 5. Understanding. Coherence. Sensemaking. Meaning. These elements are prominent in constructivism, to a lessor extent cognitivism, and not at all in behaviourism. But in connectivism, we argue that the rapid flow and abundance of information raises these elements to critical importance. *Connectivism finds its roots in the climate of abundance, rapid change, diverse information sources and perspectives, and the critical need to find a way to filter and make sense of the chaos. *The "more" of information and technology today, and the need to stay current, forms the climate that gives roots to connectivism.
