Reflections on Connectivism: A Learning Theory for the Digital Age
I found this article a fascinating read, in part because the questions it addresses are ones which have been key within my work life, and that I have pondered myself. In an age where knowledge is increasing at such a massive rate, and it is accessible so easily and efficiently - does the very way we 'acquire', 'learn' and 'use' knowledge need to change? The key message (for me) is nicely summed up in the conclusion 'Our ability to learn what we need for tomorrow is more important than what we know today'.
A really key new concept for me was the idea of the 'knowledge half life', the concept that as new knowledge is acquired, old knowledge may become out of date or obsolete. The idea that knowledge is growing so quickly now is truly fascinating, and the rate at which we are expanding our knowledge is truly astounding:
'Half of what is known today was not known 10 years ago. The amount of knowledge in the world has doubled in the past 10 years and is doubling every 18 months'
According to the American Society of Training and Documentation (ASTD).
With this rate of growth, one can really see how learning theories need to take this in to account, and how we utilise education and learning. I have always wondered about the way within our educational system it is seen as perfectly reasonable to be using case studies, examples and text books that may be 20 years old - if knowledge is growing at a rate of doubling every 18 months, this does show the lack of agility within certain educational institutions.
Within the article Siemens compares various learning theories with these new challenges, to try and establish if they are still relevant, practical and valid. Connectivism is argued to be the best 'fit', for the way knowledge exists today, with Siemens saying 'Connectivism provides insight into learning skills and tasks needed for learners to flourish in a digital era'.
A really key new concept for me was the idea of the 'knowledge half life', the concept that as new knowledge is acquired, old knowledge may become out of date or obsolete. The idea that knowledge is growing so quickly now is truly fascinating, and the rate at which we are expanding our knowledge is truly astounding:
'Half of what is known today was not known 10 years ago. The amount of knowledge in the world has doubled in the past 10 years and is doubling every 18 months'
According to the American Society of Training and Documentation (ASTD).
With this rate of growth, one can really see how learning theories need to take this in to account, and how we utilise education and learning. I have always wondered about the way within our educational system it is seen as perfectly reasonable to be using case studies, examples and text books that may be 20 years old - if knowledge is growing at a rate of doubling every 18 months, this does show the lack of agility within certain educational institutions.
Within the article Siemens compares various learning theories with these new challenges, to try and establish if they are still relevant, practical and valid. Connectivism is argued to be the best 'fit', for the way knowledge exists today, with Siemens saying 'Connectivism provides insight into learning skills and tasks needed for learners to flourish in a digital era'.
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