A theory of learning called connectivism recognizes the influence of technology, society, interpersonal networks, and job-related activities. He claims that the development of online browsers, search engines, social media, etc. changed learning. Connectivism is a relatively new learning theory that suggests learners mix thoughts, theories, and general information in a very useful way. It recognizes that technology plays an important role in the learning process and that staying connected all the time allows us to make decisions about our learning. Additionally, it encourages group participation and conversation, allowing for many viewpoints and viewpoints when it comes to making decisions, solving problems, and understanding information. Connectivism promotes learning that takes place in social environments other than a person, such as social media, online communities, blogs, or knowledge databases.

Understanding Connectivism is one thing; using it in educational activities in the classroom is another. Keep in mind that with a connectivist perspective, the learner takes more responsibility for their own learning. Unlike conventional teaching strategies and other ideas like constructivism or cognitivism, the role of educators is to help students become powerful agents of their own learning and growth. In other words, it is up to the learner to design their own learning experience, make decisions and develop their learning networks. The first step in creating a connectivist classroom is to expand digital learning options, such as online courses, webinars, social media, and blogs. Connectivism relies primarily on technology. Both the student and the educator can benefit from connectivism in the classroom. If you are considering adopting this theory in your current or future classroom, consider the following benefits. It promotes teamwork.

According to connectivism, learning occurs when peers connect and cooperate to share ideas, opinions, and viewpoints. Through connectivism, a group of individuals can legitimize their actions, allowing information to flow more quickly to other communities. It empowers students and teachers. Connectivism transfers learning responsibilities from the teacher to the student. It is up to the learner to create their own learning experience. The role of the educator then becomes “to create learning ecologies, shape communities and release learners into the environment” (Siemens, 2003). He embraces diversity. Connectivism supports individual perspectives and diversity of opinion, theoretically providing for no hierarchy in the value of knowledge. It is a theory of the technological age that helps in learning. It integrates Internet technologies into the learning process. Siemens describes connectivism as “the learning model for the digital age where learning is no longer an internal, individualistic activity, manifesting itself in all aspects of human life”. It is a theory of learning needed in response to digital and networked technologies. Thus, we can conclude that connectivism is a theory of learning that creates new learning opportunities for students around the world using the latest digital technologies. Therefore the the teacher should encourage the students to discover their own connections between seemingly discrete information, using different means, e.g. twitter, wikis, blogs, open educational resources, etc.

(The author is a researcher, University of Kashmir. Email: [email protected])