Braddock introduces the idea of connectivist learning and how technology supports learning in this way. The approach is part of the British Council’s method of teaching/learning and is also a large part of any large-scale course (like this one).
One of the key ideas in a connected theory of learning is that we learn through the diverse, personal connections that we make via the internet. It is the maintenance and development of our personal network which enables us to learn in the 21st century environment.
Task
Read this article which defines and discusses connectivism as a learning theory:
Kop, R and Hill, A. (2008) Connectivism: Learning theory of the future or vestige of the past?. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 9(3). https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v9i3.523
Then compare it with a more recent analysis by J. Goldie in 2016. This analysis relates to medical education, but it makes interesting general points about connectivism and learning.
Goldie, J. G. S. (2016) Connectivism: a knowledge learning theory for the digital age? Medical Teacher, 38(10), pp. 1064-1069.
What do you think? How far do these articles capture your experience of learning today?
Is the idea of connectivism useful for language learning? How can this idea of learning help us to acquire new languages and develop our language skills?
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