Connectivism Theory and the Modern Learner

Through reading George Siemens' article on Connectivism, A Learning Theory for the Digital Age, I started to envision learners as modern day hunter-gatherers. I say this because I think learners are constantly on the hunt for information and knowledge on-line, on databases, on social media, etc. This hunt can be seen as a means of survival where the learner must stay current in their field in order to remain relevant and ultimately to remain employed. Siemens states "When knowledge, however, is needed, but not known, the ability to plug into sources to meet the requirements becomes a vital skill. As knowledge continues to grow and evolve, access to what is needed is more important than what the learner currently possesses." The implication for our learners is that they need to develop the skills to hunt for knowledge so that when they encounter something that they do not know the answer to they have the resources to search out the answer.

Unlike some hunter-gatherers in the past, today's learners are not out hunting alone. Instead they can build networks of connections to other individuals and as a result they can increase their knowledge. In a video titled The Changing Nature of Knowledge Siemens discusses "The Network model of learning…the learners themselves, the connections they form with each other, the connections they form with databases, with other sources of knowledge is really the primary point of learning." I like this idea that these connections are learner initiated, that each individual creates their own network which is unique to them and their experiences and interests. If learners are encouraged to build networks while in a school/classroom setting which are relevant to them they can continue to use and expand upon them in their life outside the classroom.