Siemens
(2006) stated “Learning is a process of connecting specialized nodes or
information sources” (para 23). Based on this definition, my network has
changed the way I learn because my network is a resource that I use daily. As
an introvert, I did not have communities of practice as a node two years ago,
as many web tools, or professional organizations. I keep more information in my
network, and as a result I use it more often. Siemens precisely described the
process that I experienced when he said “The starting point of connectivism is
the individual. Personal knowledge is comprised of a network, which feeds into
organizations and institutions, which in turn feed back into the network, and
then continue to provide learning to [the] individual. This cycle of knowledge
development (personal to network to organization) allows learners to remain
current in their field through the connections they have formed” (para. 27).
Search
engines, blogs, wikis, and user communities are tools that facilitate learning
for me. Sometime, simulations or video podcasts are valuable tools for me to
use when I want to see how something is accomplished. Often, what I want to
learn dictates the tools I will use.
When
I want to learn something new or I have a question, I “google” it first to get
an overview of listings and topics; I look for a good site that will give me an
overall description and then look for an expert’s name associate with the
thought or product. I, then, look for websites, blogs, articles, and social
networks associated with the expert and the topic. If I spot some anti-topic
websites or blogs, I skim them as well. Finally,
I will go to the Walden library to look up articles by the experts I have
identified and the topics I am interested in.
Siemens,
G. (n.d.). Connectivism: Networked and social learning [Web log].
Retrieved from http://www.connectivism.ca/
Blogs I've posted to:
David Davis at http://edtechlearningtheory8845-2.blogspot.com/2012/04/connectivism-how-has-your-network.html#comment-form
Sherri Carey http://theoryandeducationaltech.blogspot.com/2012/04/connectivism-mindmap.html#comment-form
Blogs I've posted to:
David Davis at http://edtechlearningtheory8845-2.blogspot.com/2012/04/connectivism-how-has-your-network.html#comment-form
Sherri Carey http://theoryandeducationaltech.blogspot.com/2012/04/connectivism-mindmap.html#comment-form
