Tonight I watched a recorded session entitled “The Connectivist Approach to Interactive Dialogue” and presented asynchronously during the TLC Lilly Online 2022 conference. The presenters were Kristen Carlson, an Assistant Professor of Leadership and Learning, and Andrew Burklund, both at Minnesota State University Moorhead. Their session focused on the use of connectivism and interactive dialogue in the classroom. They defined connectivism as learning that extends beyond behaviorism and learners continue to learn from each other. They cited Duke, Harper, and Johnson 2013 and others and mentioned connectivism is also called social constructivism. Carlson and Burklund also described how unique their program is, as it includes corporate learners and administrators. Their programs are very cohort-based. The lesson they developed used the flipped classroom model with prework and assigned articles. Participants completed an interactive quiz and worked in breakout rooms with peers to assess the articles. Finally, there was a large group discussion and debrief with a discussion of lessons learned. The presenters mentioned assessing the journal article critiques and using a rubric. Their findings included stronger relationships amongst peers and increased comfort in independently using critical analysis skills. They had both cohorts come together for this activity. Students met different members in the larger group and wanted to connect beyond the LMS, according to the presenters. People seemed to spend more time analyzing the methods and providing more detailed critiques. Carlson discussed Siemens’ Connectivism Learning Theory and how it “suggests that online peer networks such as social media sites and online forums, play a vital role in eLearning experiences.” They emphasized the importance of being on task and including active learning. Burklund explained how they are now using Slack and other ways to promote interactions after the course and beyond the LMS. The presenters shared their approach, feedback, and seemed genuinely excited about contiuining to use connectivism in their program.
