Connectivism

The above mind-map depicts my  networks for learning.  I connect with are the people who have similar hobbies, similar jobs, or similar interest.  The social media available to connect has changed the way in which we look for and find information.  I can remember when the internet was first available for civilian use it was very difficult to find the information that you were looking for.  I can also remember searching many search engines because they all had a different database of information and the returns or hits on the search would all be different.  Google has cornered the market on search engines.  For instance, when someone asked you a question you may tell them to “Google it”.  I have never heard anyone say, “bing it,” yahoo it”, or “Wikipedia it”.

 I do not use Wikipedia for my research; I use online libraries such as the Walden Library, The Library of Congress, or my local library.  I also use books from my own collection.  Some are digital and some are hard copies in my personal library. I do use Interest for both DIY and educational learning.  I can connect and follow many different people and compare and test the answers to my questions. 

The best digital tools for my learning really depend on the area of desired knowledge.  If I am working on best practices for blended learning I would connect with my network of colleagues and students.  I use Google docs for sharing documents, Blogger for dialog with other learners, and YouTube for visual demonstration.  I would rather listen to a lecture via YouTube then to read the content out of a book. 

The Internet and access to information over the internet has totally changed how I search for answers and information.    I look for connections to people who are in the know of the information I seek.  I don't  look to share what I know with the network, but it happens spontaneously.   According to Siemens Connectivism is the process of building networks (Siemens, 2006).  The networks do overlap and intermingle, but they are based on contributions for learning.

Reference

Siemens, G., (2006). Knowing Knowledge. George Siemens.

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