Connectivism

"Behaviourism, cognitivism, and constructivism are the three broad learning theories most often utilized in the creation of instructional environments. These theories, however, were developed in a time when learning was not impacted through technology." (Vaill, 1996).

Over the last 20 years, technology has changed the way with live. It has changed the way we communicate but most of all it has changed the way we learn. Therefore, George Siemens proposed a fourth learning theory called  'Connectivism'. It identifies the relationship between technology and learning. 

Siemens believes that it is in todays age it is more important to know how and where to attain information rather than it is to retain every piece of information.

This is a subject which can be received both positively and negatively in today society. In my personal opinion, i believe it is a vital aspect that students should learn, especially with the way the world is heading. However i believe effective pedagogy, encouragement and assessment must be used to ensure students are learning. For example,  If i was to enter a classroom and tell a bunch of 16 year old students to research the composer 'Beethoven', do you think 80% of the class would do what was required? If i told my class, here are some important sites to visit. Do you think most of them would take the time to research the matter deeply? or do a poor attempt and use the internet for things they enjoyed ?? I am a realist about students in todays day and age... 

I think because of this, lesson plans should be created in order to include both. They should be innovative and use ICT excitingly. You should teach the basic information, then teach ways of accessing good information for extension materials.  EFFECTIVE PEDAGOGY and interesting materials is a must in order to keep unmotivated students, motivated!