Cognitivism and Connectivism in Practice
COGNITIVISM IN LEARNING
Cognitivism refers to the study of the mind and how it obtains, processes, and stores information (Stavredes, 2011). Ideas and concepts from these problems are linked to prior knowledge, which in turn helps the learner develop a stronger comprehension (Stavredes, 2011)
An example for cognitivism would be a student solving a complex problem linking it with his prior knowledge and understanding. Based on the prior knowledge, a complex problem is broken down into simpler, smaller parts.
CONNECTIVISIM IN LEARNING
Connectivism is a learning process in which the knowledge exist outside the learner. A learner builds a connection between all the available knowledge and builds his own network for learning. He validates the resources all the time and stays active with all his learning connections.
Decision-making is a learning process as information can change and what is viewed as correct one day may be incorrect the next (Siemens, 2004)
An example of this type of learning is student learns about a new skill using information gathered from variety of online networks.
MY EARLY LEARNING AND CONNECTIVISM
The learning experience I had at work was an example of connectivism. I was a new bee to item writing. My past experience was working as a software quality control programmer. I had to build a learning network first. This network included variety of experienced writers, online content developers, and content reviewers. The information gathered from various sources had to be validated at every point during the learning. The learning happened by accepting information from legitimate sources. The interactions with peers and clients over networks further fortified the learning.
Here learning was networked and connected to multiple sources of information and hence an example of connectivism.
Quoting:"Maintaining current and accurate knowledge is the purpose in connectivist activities.