CONNECTIVISM - REFLECTION

How has your network changed the way you learn?

My networks have become vital tools throughout my learning process.  When I reflect back to my first online course I did not realize the role that many of these networks would play in my learning process.  Traditional classroom learning afforded me instant interactions with fellow classmates, but often times class resources were limited.  Since the invention of the internet it has expanded and opened me up to networks where I can interact with practically millions of other learners. Today’s technology like the internet, the growth of online education, and communities of practices has expanded my learning process exponentially.  Within the Navy Knowledge Online legal communities of practices I am able to ask questions concerning multiple legal matters and I receive insightful responses from experts within the field of practices.

Which digital tools best facilitate learning for you?

I have relied on many digital tools throughout my learning process.  I cannot say that there has been one tool better than another.  I have found that it really has been dependent upon what it was I was trying to learn.  Over the past five years I have spent much of my time learning about the law, so the best tool that helped facilitate my learning was LexisNexis.  It is one of the premiere digital tools that law practitioners turn to for fast results for research complicated law issues.  This site gave me instant access to a mass array of legal publications with helpful insight into the law from some of the country’s top attorneys and judges.

How do you gain new knowledge when you have questions?

I spoke of Communities of Practices within the Navy Knowledge Online earlier; it has been a tremendous source to gaining new knowledge.  These communities allow for a group of individuals that share similar interest or profession to gather together and ask questions.  Because members in the communities have a common interest in sharing information and their experiences I am able to have my questions addressed by professionals with the necessary expertise and experience that I can count on and trust that I will be pointed in the right direction.   

In what ways does your personal learning network support or refute the central tenets of connectivisim?

When looking at the components of Connectivism:

• Learning and knowledge rest in diversity of opinions.
• Learning is a process of connecting specialized nodes or information sources.
• Learning may reside in non-human appliances.
• Capacity to know more is more critical than what is currently known.
• Nurturing and maintaining connections is needed to facilitate continual learning.
• Ability to see connections between fields, ideas, and concepts is a core skill.
• Currency (accurate, up-to-date knowledge) is the intent of all connectivist learning activities.

 

My personal learning networks definitely support the principals of the components of Connectivism.  Many of my networks open the door for a diversity of opinions and allow those opinions to be discussed and expanded upon.  Because these networks are of a professional setting it allows individuals to express their opinion without the feeling that their points of views are not important.  My network connects specialized areas of learning that individuals may use as their primary source of information.  Networks like Facebook have even allowed individuals within my career field to have a forum where we can meet to chat and explore current issues.  Many networks create an atmosphere for nurturing and allow learners to maintain the much needed connections that help in their continual learning process.  With an abundance of opinions these network align perfectly with the Connectivsm concept of connecting ideas and concepts.  They can be complied in one area and almost as a one stop shopping area.  It is very important to have accurate and up-to-date information that fosters a willing and open learning process.    I particularly enjoy the premises of Communities of Practice and how they are able to be a direct influence on an individual’s learning activity.