My Network Connections

This mind map represents the primary ways that I gain information, especially technology. Through the process of developing this mind map, I have a clearer understanding of the primary ways in which I locate information. This process also drives home the importance of Connectivism and network-directed learning as a force for learning at an accelerated pace. If I had created a mind map of the year following my graduation from high school, you would see a much different picture of my networking picture. My primary source for information had been books, primarily through the public or university library. A small portion was from school and from friends and family. 

Since the internet and search engines came into my life, I have been a sponge for information, and the internet has been a steady friend in feeding my cravings for a solid stream of new information. I still love books, but my true passion has always been for knowledge, and the internet is so much lighter to carry. 

Currently, I use technology to primarily find information via search engines. While many people associate the computer as a solitary, isolationist tool, the truth is that the internet is a large forum for sharing information. Every web site, blog, forum post, or social networking site is created by people, and creates ties that allow people to see how technology or information fits into the context of another person’s life. 

In my personal life, I use Facebook as a tool to stay in touch with friends and family, which makes it easier to call on people when looking for advice or help on a particular subject. This is also a way for me to gain information about things that I am specifically interested in such as: instructional design or social media tools. Friends and family are useful when I cannot find an answer on my own, then I try to refer to the people I consider experts on the topic. All of these help to bring information and learning to me, which reinforces my belief that Connectivism is at work in every aspect of learning.

I realized very quickly with creating this map that so many of these resources overlap. I use LinkedIn to maintain contacts in my personal life, so that I may draw upon them in my professional life – if needed. I use YouTube as a tool to learn all kinds of things, whether it be related to personal, work, or school, and would consider this to be the most effective tool for me to learn from.