Yes, Connectivism

Connectivism - a learning theory for the digital age?  Proposed by George Siemens and Stephen Downes, connectivism proposes a learning theory based on several premises: 

• learning occurs as "nodes" that connect to other "nodes", forming and reforming as networks dynamically change and as interactions occur
• learning is fluid and changes as new information is available
• learning is treated as the formation of connections, not as individual pieces of information stored in the brain's neurons
• content is important, as it ever was, but functions as a catalyst for making connections
• practices, attitudes, and beliefs and not just knowledge (content) become the focus of learning
• learning is not a process of just receiving and filtering, it's an active participation with others to make authentic connections with the content

This theory has arisen due to phenomenal technological advances that have changed the way people connect and network through online applications and tools.   The incredible growth of the read/write web and the instantaneous speed to communicate and connect makes networking online possible to a much greater extent than ever before.

Group B argues in their Wikispace that "...theory is a term used to define what is happening inside the mind of a student, while connectivism directly relates to the phenomenon occurring around the student. "

That's an argument against Connectivism?  That it isn't a learning theory because it refers to what's happening around the learner? 

• Connectivism refers to neurons in the brain (inside the learner) and the nodes that are created (inside the learner) and the connections made to other nodes (ok, outside the learner) to create new learning (inside the learner).
• Memorization and rote learning are acknowledged as essential; however, the connections to authentic real-world tasks through work and social networks online have changed careers and tasks globally.  Work skills are no longer dependent on worker's knowledge, memory and expertise, but are focused on communication, collaboration, and problem-solving.  These skills develop inside the learner, though evidenced externally through action.
• Innovative thinking in the work force fits into Connectivism.  Making connections is an internal skill, inside the learner, and mashing possibilities, outside the learner, is possible due to technology advances.
• Knowledge and learning are active, social practices that happens in real-world contexts through interaction and connection

Connectivism is all about what's happening inside the mind of the learner as knowledge and connections are made.  Connectivism is all about the learning that occurs as social networking and interactions validate useful information and create new learning or innovative practices.  Connectivism describes, in part, development of the learner's skill in deciphering and determining usefulness of new information as it fits, or doesn't fit, into prior learning.

Connectivism is about what's going on inside the learner.

Resources:

• Downes, S. Jan 5, 2011. "Connectivism" and Connective Knowledge.  Retrieved from The Huffington Post at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/stephen-downes/connectivism-and-connecti_b_804653.html
• Marquis, J. Dec 29, 2011.  Looking at Connectivism as A New Learning Theory.  Retrieved from Online Universities at http://www.onlineuniversities.com/blog/2011/12/looking-at-connectivism-as-a-new-learning-theory/