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Connectivism: This article talks about connectivism model shifts with the learning society and that the educational field is slow to embrace and use new tools. Connectivism is essential for learners to grow in educational technology.

This article was written by George Siemens the father of connectivism, focusing on how learning occurs through networking especially through the use of technology. The article also explains the differences between connectivism, behaviorism, constructivism, and cognitivism in a simple to read manner.

This was the first article I read during my research. It really gave me a baseline understanding of connectivism. I liked the way that it explained how connectivism is different from other learning theories. Overall great article.

In this article George Siemens relates connectivism to PLN's. He begins by explaining that knowledge is growing exponentially and now instead of being measured in decades, the life of knowledge is measured in years and even months. He goes onto explain that half of what is known today was not known a mere ten years ago and according to the American Society of Training and Documentation, knowledge in the world has doubled in the last ten years and continues to double every 18 months. He explains that networks are an integral part of growing one's knowledge base and our small world networks are made up of people who share our interests. He also lists eight principles of connectivism and connects these ideas to social networking. He concludes by stating that connectivism provides insight into learning skills and tasks needed for learners to be successful in a digital era.

The chart clearly shows the differences and relationships between the different theories of learning. I particularly like the idea that our knowledge through our network is always growing, the more connections we make the more our knowledge base grows.

This is a really good source of information. I really appreciated that I could just look in one place and compare the different learning theories. I'm still trying to get a grasp on all the differences. I'm definitely glad I took a look! Cheers, Buffy

I enjoyed reading this article and especially like how they focused on the connections that Twitter can be used to make, such as connecting students across the district, country, and even the globe. I also liked how they highlighted ways teachers use Twitter - many of the things they mentioned are exactly how I use Twitter myself!

I think that Twitter may be one of the most effective means of networking and communication we have. It is an easy way to share simple, straightforward information, and the character limit forces us to get right to the point. It's also increasingly how companies are interacting with the public, especially in terms of customer service. So it makes sense that teachers should use it to connect and learn quickly and easily. It's difficult to teach our students how to use it, however, because of how easy it is to abuse, but that's when it becomes our job to teach how to use it appropriately.