Article: Connectivism: the network metaphor of learning Journal: International Journal of Learning Technology (IJLT) 2010 Vol.5 No.1 pp.80 - 99 Abstract: Connectivism is a new learning theory introduced by George Siemens in 2004 in order to cope with the increasing complexity and fast-paced change of the new knowledge era. This paper addresses the network metaphor of learning, which explains learning in terms of networks. We begin by introducing the connectivism approach to learning based on Siemens| work, and then provide an account of our view of connectivism by discussing the learning as a network (LaaN) perspective. We then present knowledge ecology as a social landscape that mirrors the complex nature and wide scope of knowledge, and continue by contrasting knowledge ecology to popular social forms that have been introduced in the CSCL and CSCW literature. These include communities of practice, knots, coalitions, intensional networks, and ad hoc transient communities. We end by comparing the connectivism/LaaN perspective with dominant learning and social theories. These theories are behaviourism, cognitivism, (social) constructivism, situated learning, activity theory, and actor-network theory. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Connectivism: the network metaphor of learning

Authors: Mohamed Amine Chatti, Matthias Jarke, Christoph Quix

Addresses: Informatik 5 (Information Systems), RWTH Aachen University, Ahornstr, 55, 52056 Aachen, Germany. ' Informatik 5 (Information Systems), RWTH Aachen University, Ahornstr, 55, 52056 Aachen, Germany. ' Informatik 5 (Information Systems), RWTH Aachen University, Ahornstr, 55, 52056 Aachen, Germany

Abstract: Connectivism is a new learning theory introduced by George Siemens in 2004 in order to cope with the increasing complexity and fast-paced change of the new knowledge era. This paper addresses the network metaphor of learning, which explains learning in terms of networks. We begin by introducing the connectivism approach to learning based on Siemens| work, and then provide an account of our view of connectivism by discussing the learning as a network (LaaN) perspective. We then present knowledge ecology as a social landscape that mirrors the complex nature and wide scope of knowledge, and continue by contrasting knowledge ecology to popular social forms that have been introduced in the CSCL and CSCW literature. These include communities of practice, knots, coalitions, intensional networks, and ad hoc transient communities. We end by comparing the connectivism/LaaN perspective with dominant learning and social theories. These theories are behaviourism, cognitivism, (social) constructivism, situated learning, activity theory, and actor-network theory.

Keywords: knowledge ecology; connectivism; knowledge ecology; learning as a network; LaaN; CSCL; CSCW; computer-supported collaborative learning; computer supported cooperative work; learning theory; network metaphor; learning metaphor; behaviourism; cognitivism; constructivism; situated learning; activity theory; actor-network theory.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLT.2010.031617

International Journal of Learning Technology, 2010 Vol.5 No.1, pp.80 - 99

Published online: 15 Feb 2010 *

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Title: Connectivism: the network metaphor of learning

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