While it is true that my network has
changed the way I learn, I feel the real focus is how my network has expanded
into multiple connections that in turn extend to yield multiple shared resource
points.
There is no underestimating the power of an immediate answer. Just a
few years ago, the search for answers and information was a much tougher road. A
typical study session included hours in libraries searching for bits and pieces
of precious information. Back then, much time was spent seeking out professors
and requesting a few precious minutes of their office hours to ask only the
toughest questions for fear of being denied future access. No longer does one
have to beg and dig for information, now it is ours for the taking. However, easy pickings
utilizing digital tools are not without obstacles. Almost anyone can publish
and people do publish regardless of competency. One must learn to evaluate the information.
When I have academic related questions I make good use of Google Scholar and among other things try to pay
close attention to where the information is coming from. I have found that even refereed
papers can be biased depending upon the source. So just like in Face to Face
relationships one has to give thought to who is speaking and whom their true
audience may be.
My personal learning network
supports the connectivism model. Consider the following description.
In
the connectivist model, a learning community is described as a node,
which is always part of a larger network. Nodes arise out of the connection
points that are found on a network. A network is comprised of two or more nodes
linked in order to share resources. Nodes may be of varying size and strength,
depending on the concentration of information and the number of individuals who
are navigating through a particular node (Downes, 2008).
My
learning community has expanded with the increased access to technology. I reach
and share more resources on a grander scale than I ever thought possible. Information
is continuously transforming and so is my understanding and
beliefs.
Downes, S (2007a, February 6). Msg.
30, Re: What Connectivism Is. Connectivism Conference: University of
Manitoba.
No comments:
Post a Comment