A Connectivist Learning Activity Supporting Creative Thinking: Analogy Wall

Abstract

The aim of this research is to examine the “Analogy Wall” activity which was developed according to Synectics model and connectivist learning principles and carried out via Facebook. The participants of this holistic single case study design are comprised of 16 teacher candidates who were attending Instructional Technologies and Material Design course in the spring semester of 2016-2017 academic year, the instructor of the course and one expert in the field of connectivist learning. According to the findings of the study, the expert’s views showed that Analogy Wall activity meets the requirements of connectivist learning principles. According to the views of the participants, Analogy Wall activity enhances creative thinking skills and provides an opportunity for the students to develop different perspectives towards the notion of instructional material. As a result of the study, the case of this study might be considered as an example of applying connectivism in social networks and it became evident that Analogy Wall activity can be implemented in other social networks and in other courses which require creativity when gamification elements are included.