Sociology

Pedagogy

Pure mathematics

Mathematics

Engineering

Connectivism

Learning theory

Field (mathematics)

Engineering ethics

Heliyon

This manuscript provides a literature review of connectivism. It presents evidence and thinking in which connectivism, a new learning theory which has typically been used for online learning, is applied to leadership, with a provocative discussion on the yet unexplored opportunities to use connectivism to redefine leadership in the twenty-first century. The paper aims to bridge the gap between the contributions of digital learning in education and the field of leadership theory and development. It seeks to apply the critical tenets of connectivism in education and learning to leadership theory and to stimulate a debate on new forms of leadership.

Connectivism and leadership: harnessing a learning theory for the digital age to redefine leadership in the twenty-first century