Connectivism: Mind Map of Learning Networks - II
As the need to learn more increases so does the need to network using new and numerous resources. With the speed technological advances are continuing to be made, a mind map showing connectivism network will be very large and complex; or perhaps there will be a way to do “one stop learning” that is unimaginable to the present learners. I will probably still want to print readings so I have a hard copy to manipulate.
When I started my bachelors degree program in 1973, I used little to no technology. The college library was like a second home as I scanned hundreds of card files and volumes of writing to complete my assignments. As I complete assignments, need information on a subject, want to find the gizmo my grandson wants, or just curious, I can use a variety of search engines and find anything I want in a matter of minutes. With computers available at public libraries, local community colleges, as well as a variety of other public places the computer has become a necessity. As an adult learner taking the responsibility for my own learning makes it necessary for me to find every means available to learn as much as possible, as quickly as possible (Cerone, 2008).
As I am learning to use new software and learning new techniques I find that viewing a “how-to” video is most helpful. Although I watched many videos with my latest adventure in learning before searching the pages of my hard copy of “Google Blogger for Dummies” where I found the clues that lead me to view the right video. This is an example of informal and incidental learning or Self-Deirected Learning which is at the heart o of adult education which lead to Action Learning which is an approach to working with people on a real problem as a way to learn (Conlins, Grabowski, & Smith, 2003).
Learning on-line has been a blessing for me. I am generally not comfortable physically or emotionally in a classroom. Without going into great detail I just enjoy sitting in my recliner with my coffee learning at somewhat my own pace at my own time and not feeling uncomfortable when I have to look ten places or more for an answer to a question. Without quality on-line teaching I would not be able or want to continue my education.
When I am working on my Walden assignments or questions from other aspects of my life I automatically go to the computer. If I am working on an assignment or want to further research a topic I will go to the Walden Library and at times use Yahoo or google to find what I am looking for. For other than school work questions I first try a Yahoo search, if I can not find an answer or need more information I do a google search. I have never had a need to look any further. I my question is on a local situation I find the website, such as the school or church, to find an answer. If none is there then the newspapers have the local gossip. If all else fails I call the lady in town that knows everything about everybody and loves to tell it. This information is very often times biased and not based on facts.
My personal learning network supports the tenets of connectivism in a great many areas. When looking at my mind map you an see that there is both traditional learning methods as well as the computer which support "Connectivism......as a learning theory that integrates technology, social networks, and information" (Laurete Education, n.d.). Also on my map you will see that there are social groups which is also a tenet of connectivism . In my personal learning I enjoy being a part of groups with my interests in which we work together to solve problems and learn together new information and skills. In these groups we very often use different forms of technology. Today there are very few learning evironments that some form of technology is not used.
My personal learning network supports the tenets of connectivism in a great many areas. When looking at my mind map you an see that there is both traditional learning methods as well as the computer which support "Connectivism......as a learning theory that integrates technology, social networks, and information" (Laurete Education, n.d.). Also on my map you will see that there are social groups which is also a tenet of connectivism . In my personal learning I enjoy being a part of groups with my interests in which we work together to solve problems and learn together new information and skills. In these groups we very often use different forms of technology. Today there are very few learning evironments that some form of technology is not used.
| References: Cerone, K. (2008). Characteristics of adult learners with implications for online learning design. Retrieved from http://www.editlib.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Reader.ViewAbstract&paper_id=24286, July 25, 2011. Conlan J., Grabowski, S., & Smith, K.. (2003). Adult Learning. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technlogy. Retrieved July 25, 2011, http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Adult_Learning |
