Connectivism


 * Articles examining an emergent theory of online learning: Connectivism**


 * A Special edition of the International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning focused on the emergent theory of Connectivism. ** http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/issue/view/44

Tschofen, C., & Mackness, J. (2012). Connectivism and dimensions of individual experience. // The International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning //, // 13 // (1), 124–143.


 * Connnectivism is of special interest to beginning scholars because it is a comparatively new theory of online learning. It is currently undergoing the classic processes of testing and verification by scholars around the world. ** **Boitshwarelo has proposed a research framework to test connectivism.**

Boitshwarelo, B. (2011). Proposing an integrated research framework for connectivism: Utilizing theoretical synergies. //IRRODL//, //12//(3). Retrieved from http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/881/1816


 * Scholars are routinely challenging the precepts of connectivism with varying degrees of success.** **See, for example:**

Clarà, M., & Barberà, E. (2013). Three problems with the connectivist conception of learning: Connectivist conception of learning. //Journal of Computer Assisted Learning//, n/a–n/a. doi:10.1111/jcal.12040


 * Stephen Downes, one of the co-discoverers of Connectivism, recently wrote a blog post responding to this critique of connectivism. The paper and Downes' response provide a useful insight into the scholarly process for which doctoral candidates are preparing.**

Downes, S. (2013, October 3). On the three or four problems of connectivism. //Half an Hour//. Retrieved from http://halfanhour.blogspot.ca/2013/10/on-three-or-four-problems-of.html

Mackness, J. (2013, October 5). Growing body of research into MOOCs. //Jenny Connected//. Web Log. Retrieved November 14, 2013, from http://jennymackness.wordpress.com/2013/10/05/growing-body-of-research-into-moocs/
 * Also interesting to note is that much of the scholarly development of this theory is occurring on the blogs of the two co-founders, a demonstrating the power and flexibility of connective elements. Many of the critics still publish their work in conventional journals where the time to publication can be anywhere from six to 18 months. Jenny Mackness observes the scholarly development of connectivism on her own blog and points out that Downes' rebuttal of Clarà & Barberà was published on his blog 3 days after their article appeared in the Journal of Computer Assisted Learning.**


 * At least two models have been developed that have a connectivist foundation. MOOCs and Personal Learning Environments (PLE).**


 * A recent edition of the European Journal eLearning Papers has been dedicated to the PLE model** http://openeducationeuropa.eu/en/paper/personal-learning-environments


 * One article from this special edition that will be of special interest to doctoral scholars developing their own dissertation research projects is:**

Kop, R., & Fournier, H. (2013). Developing a framework for research on Personal Learning Environments. //eLearning Papers//. Retrieved from http://www.openeducationeuropa.eu/en/article/Developing-a-framework-for-research-on-Personal-Learning-Environments-

A 2014 exchange between Jon Dron and Stephen Downes regarding Connectivism.

[|Dron's Post.]

[|Downes' Rebuttal]