Reflection on My Network Mind Map – Connectivism

My connections through my network facilitate learning in multiple ways.  I have learned through my courses in my MS IDT program that there are many layers of learning involved in Instructional Design.  I have learned about how to be an effective leader, what makes an organization successful, how training can be designed and implemented, and how to manage change.  My network now includes learning on multiple platforms and involves various technologies and social connections.  My network has changed the way that I learn largely by all of the new information I have been introduced to through my MS IDT program.  Before I started this program, I was aware of many learning tools and software but never took the initiative to explore them.  Now that I have explored a few of these through the program, I am motivated to pursue more and encourage this learning through my own development because I realize there is so much out there that I don’t even know about.  Through my online coursework in EDUC 6115, I have been introduced to many new digital tools that I can use for future learning; just this week I have acquired knowledge on JING and Webspiration that will help me communicate and design learning experiences in the future. 

I have also been introduced to digital tools that encourage social networking and idea sharing.  Before I started my MS IDT program, my online social networking was limited to Facebook, instant messaging, and email.  Now I have my own blog that can be used for sorting out ideas and getting feedback from others in a collaborative learning environment.  I also am exposed to my classmates and other IDT professionals and their ideas/posts through keeping up with their blogs on my Gmail Reader.  I think discussion boards and blog postings definitely have expanded my knowledge and resources the most as digital learning tools because I was not exposed to these in depth before.  Now when I have questions I can research blog posts for ideas on good resources and tips as well as conduct my own research online or at the library based off of colleagues’ suggestions.  I also feel more comfortable at researching online through the Walden library now that I have found readings and articles for class, as I was previously somewhat intimidated by searching online databases.

My personal learning network supports the central tenets of Connectivism by showing how my use of technology, social networks, and abundance of online information all interact to support my learning experience.  Connectivism realizes the interaction of the learner with technology rich learning tools, social networks/communication, and abundant information from rich network resources all contribute to learning (Laureate, 2009).  My learning is a product of all of these aspects of Connectivism being available to me in an environment that changes and grows extraordinarily fast along with technology, new ideas, and new collaborations. 

References:

Laureate Education, Inc. (2009). Connectivism [DVD]. Baltimore, MD: George Siemens.