George Siemens originally coined the Connectivist approach in 2004 by taking the learning theory of Constructivism and adapting this concept of how knowledge is built to the digital age.  He argues that the networked environment of today has an effect on learning and should change learning theory.  He argues that having knowledge is less important than capacity to gain knowledge; that current information is premium; that learning is a creative process, not a consumption activity.  Wow,  I really like this stuff:  Read for yourself

http://www.connectivism.ca/about.html

http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/connectivism.htm

Alan November argues that if class work is of the type that kids can "cheat" by using modern technologies, that these kinds of course work need to be re-engineered for the 21st Century.  Sounds like the same argument that George Siemens makes.