Connectivism as a pedagogical model within industrial design education

This paper will discuss how the connectivist theory has implications for teaching and learning within the field of Industrial Design. Connectivism is a relatively new learning theory [1], however its emergence within the field of e-learning and distributed learning networks are appropriate for a technical field such as Industrial Design. Examples within practise are discussed and potential options for inclusion within the course are proposed. Connectivism is a pedagogical model devised by George Siemens and Stephen Downes [2] that promotes greater integration, diversity and distributed knowledge throughout networks. While the intent for this learning model was e-learning, many of the tenets - such as the agility it promotes in regards to instructional materials and techniques - can be applied to the scholarship of Industrial Design.