What is Connectivism

Connectivism is a digital-age learning theory that sees knowledge as a network of connections. Learning happens by building and navigating these networks through technology, social platforms, and various information sources.

This YouTube video, “Connectivism  – A Learning Theory” (Shagdar, 2020), offers one of the clearest explanations of Connectivism and its importance for the future of learning. One of the video’s highlights is that as knowledge now doubles every 18 months, information changes too quickly for traditional theories like Behaviorism, Cognitivism, and Constructivism to fully keep up. In today’s digital world, learning isn’t just about what you know, but about where you can find accurate, current information.

Connectivism suggests that learning is not an individualistic process. Learning can exist in networks, databases, organizations, and even technology itself. What really matters is our ability to build the right connections and tap into reliable, diverse sources. Staying connected is what makes continuous learning work.

Origins of Connectivism and the Stakeholders Driving It Forward

Modern L&D, Gray Harriman (2025) highlights how learning has shifted in today’s hyperconnected world. As technology reshapes how we access information, traditional theories can’t fully capture how people learn through networks, communities, and digital spaces. Connectivism emphasizes that learning happens through connections. Learning happens among people, ideas, and resources.

George Siemens and Stephen Downers

Connectivism began with Canadian educators George Siemens and Stephen Downes in the early 2000s. They proposed the Theory of Connectivism to address this widening gap, where the existing traditional learning theories didn’t fully explain how people can make the most of their learning experience in a digital, networked world.

Open Education and MOOC Innovators

Many early champions of MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) adopted Connectivism as their guiding approach. Their work centered on how learning can happen across networks, through shared resources, and within learning communities.

Knowledge Management Professionals

People working in knowledge-sharing roles,especially in business and organizational settings, often value Connectivist Ideas. Its principles are useful in supporting collaboration, information flow, and collective problem-solving

Learning and Development Leaders

People in Learning and Development who promote informal learning, communities of practice, and continuous upskilling naturally align with Connectivism. They tend to emphasize learning with others, rather than learning from an instructor.

Challenges and Considerations in Networked Learning

As education becomes increasingly digital, networked learning offers flexibility and connection beyond the traditional classroom. However, it also brings new challenges that can affect students’ confidence, focus, and overall success. The insights below are inspired by and drawn from Sweeney’s (2024) article, “Challenges of Online Learning for Students (and Solutions),” published by Northeast Technical Institute.

Isolation is one of the challenges many distant learners face. While it creates a sense of autonomy, learning has lost its natural feel of connection with peers and instructors. Although isolation should not be equated with loneliness, instructors can reduce feelings of loneliness by fostering community discussion, assigning group work, and providing consistent guidance on learning.

Motivation goes hand in hand with isolation and is another barrier for distant learners. Since learning does not take place in a physical classroom, online learning requires self-discipline and self-motivation. Learners should see the benefit of studying anytime, anywhere, and instructors should motivate them through regular, constructive feedback and an interactive course design.

Modernity is still not free of various technical challenges, which can lead to a loss of learning momentum. Some students are still experiencing the digital divide and unpredictable internet issues. Schools should offer tech support and recorded lessons that give every learner an equitable chance to succeed.

Last but not least, online learners are vulnerable to distractions and  time management. Home responsibilities, multitasking, and notifications can easily interrupt learning. This can be addressed through installing notification blockers, setting dedicated study spaces, and sticking to schedules to improve focus.

Reflection

Exploring Connectivism helped me understand how learning was redefined in this digital age. Learning is no longer a solitary process; it can now be done in networks. Knowledge has already evolved and been reinforced in a way that makes knowing where to find information as important as knowing what and how to use it. Connectivism is not just applied in academic settings but also in other fields that involve learning.

However, networked learning also reminded me that it is not free of issues, such as isolation, motivation, technical access, and distractions. It shows that human intervention still matters. For Connectivism to truly work, learners need strong communities, accessible tools, and instructors who intentionally cultivate connection.

References

Harriman, G. (2025, July 27). Learning in the Networked Age: Embracing Connectivism for Modern L&D. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/learning-networked-age-embracing-connectivism-modern-ld-gray-gt9af/. 

Shagdar, Z. (2020, July 2). Connectivism – A Learning theory. www.youtube.com. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvhY70C6Drk. 

Sweeney, A. (2024, March 14). 7 Top Challenges of Online Learning For Students (and Solutions). Northeast Technical Institute. https://ntinow.edu/7-top-challenges-of-online-learning-for-students-and-solutions/.