According to the theory of
connectivism developed by
George Siemens (as well as
Stephen Downes), the "epitome of connectivism" is that learners create connections and develop a personal network that contributes to their personal and professional development and knowledge. The following is an excerpt from Dryden's and Vos' book on learning networks: "For the first time in history, we know now how to store virtually all humanity's most important information and make it available, almost instantly, in almost any form, to almost anyone on earth. We also know how to do that in great new ways so that people can interact with it, and learn from it." Specifically, the learner chooses whom to interact with in these media and how much to participate. Learners have certain goals, needs, interests, motivations and problems that are often presented to the people they include in their PLN. Moreover, the learner will collaborate and connect differently with various members. The learner will establish stronger relationships with some members and have a low level of connection with others. Not all nodes will be equal. Some of the member roles include searcher, assemblator, designer of data, innovator of subject matter, and researcher. ==Recognition of PLNs==