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This source is a Wiki on connectivist learning theory. The Wiki goes a little bit deeper than other articles I have read and is well organized. I especially liked the discussion at the end of the Wiki as it gives some good ideas to think about in regards to connectivism.

This Wiki article explores the theory of connectivist learning. The theorist argue that educators have long believed experience has been considered the best teacher of knowledge. "Since we cannot possibly experience everything, other people's experiences, and other people, become the surrogate for knowledge." In other words, learning by forming connections may be a better way to acquire learning in the digital age. http://wiki.p2pfoundation.net/Connectivist_Learning_Theory_-_Siemens

I agree with your comment that there is no way we can learn everything and being able to connect with others to add to our knowledge is the only way we are going to be able to keep up with the changing digital age. I think the principle of connectivism say it all: Principles of connectivism - Learning and knowledge rests in diversity of opinions. - Learning is a process of connecting specialized nodes or information sources. - Learning may reside in non-human appliances. - Capacity to know more is more critical than what is currently known - Nurturing and maintaining connections is needed to facilitate continual learning. - Ability to see connections between fields, ideas, and concepts is a core skill.

User-generated media (UGM) incorporates traditional media (i.e., newspapers, radio, television) as well as non-traditional media like the Internet (i.e., blogs, wikis, picture- and video-sharing sites, and social networking platforms). This article examines three usages of UGM from the uses and gratifications (U&G) perspective, which are separate but interdependent concepts. The first use, consuming, satisfies the information, entertainment, and mood management needs. Participation, the second use, fosters interaction with content and people to enhance social connections in virtual communities. The final use, producing, encompasses content that is created for both self-expression and self-actualization. This article analyzes the appeal of UGM via the lens of U&G. U&G is used to explain the psychological needs of the individual consumer and why an audience consciously chooses a specific medium to fill recognized needs. These needs can be divided into five categories to help us understand media consumption on user-generated sites: 1) cognitive needs, 2) affective needs, 3) personal integrative needs, 4) social integrative needs, and 5) tension release needs.