Connected learning combines personal interests, supportive relationships, and opportunities. It is social connection for youth, and is built on these three main principles. Reflection drives learning in a connected space by: 

• Returning to experience – that is to say recalling or detailing salient events.
• Attending to (or connecting with) feelings – this has two aspects: using helpful feelings and removing or containing obstructive ones.
• Evaluating experience – this involves re-examining experience in the light of one’s intent and existing knowledge etc. It also involves integrating this new knowledge into one’s conceptual framework. 

Overall, connected learning happend when students come together and share their common interests and ideas for change, but also reflect and evaluate their situations.