My network is not a very complex network, with many areas overlapping. Although it is not a very complex network it has changed the way I think and learn because I am able to tap into a wide variety of resources of information. I am able to access my contacts in various ways. Before I had an iPhone or any sort of Smartphone I had to wait until I was near a computer to obtain information from the internet or check email. Now that I have an iPhone I am able to instantly Skype chat with friends, family, colleagues, and classmates whereever I am as long as I have a 3G signal or wireless access. I am able to access my coursework through the Walden app, and view the videos from the course whereever I am at. I have watched videos in line at the grocery store, while working out, and even once while having a root canal! My learning has become mobile. I use digital tools such as blogs, GoogleDocs, and discussion boards constantly. The ability to interact and work collaboratively with my peers has greatly enriched my learning experiences. Whenever I have questions or need clarification about certain things, I am quick to turn to my peers or other experts in the field, or to online scholarly articles. Having a smartphone allows me to have my questions immediately addressed by performing a quick search. The way I learn and interact with my network has changed tremendously in the past 2 years, and as technology becomes more and more advanced I am sure the way I interact will continue to evolve.
Reference
Kop, R., & Hill, A. (2008). Connectivism: Learning theory of the future or vestige of the past? International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 9(3), 1–13.
Hi Jami!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you're network is much more complex than it was 5 years ago, and it will continue to grow, as more technologies arise, and you interconnect more. I agree that our learning has become mobile, and it can occur more often, and with less time! The downside that I've noticed is that sometimes there is "too much" information being tossed around cyber space, and it becomes challenging to keep up with it, or even sort it out. Have you experienced a taste of that yet?
Rebecca
It sounds as though your network has extended you approach to learning and your overall experience. Since that is the case how would your network benefit your students? How would you introduce networks to your students?
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