Reflection on my learning network

Central to connectivism is the belief that people learn through the networks they are connected to in order to obtain knowledge.  To analyze my learning network I divided it into internal, external, technology and learning tools and life experience.

My network has changed the way I have learned, especially as an adult and a professional.  The technology and learning tools section of my network is very important to me today.  As a child, organized learning took place at a school where I physically went to in order to receive instruction and to access the tools I needed to learn.  My college experience was similar to that as well.  Today, I am learning as part of an online community.  Many of the tools I use are accessed through the internet using a computer.  The interactions I have with my peers are also facilitated through technology as well.

The internet is the main digital tool needed to facilitate my learning today and it is also the first tool I turn to when I need to answer questions in order to gain new knowledge.  Without it I would be cut off from my access to information and the ability to communicate with my peers.  It also allows a certain amount of instant gratification regarding my learning.  If I want to work on something right now with the internet I can simply sign on and work.  Traditional methods would require planning to travel to a research library or to arrange a face to face meeting with a peer.  It does not matter what time of day, or how long I have to work, the internet facilitates it.

Connectivism believes we learn through our connections and I feel my network supports that.  Although technology is a huge part of my network, it does not do everything for me.  My life experience provides ways to apply new knowledge to prior learning.  Personal, professional and family connections allow me to talk about my learning and to gain different insights into my current learning.  Finally, my internal motivations to learn and to better my career opportunities drive my learning network.  Without the internal motivation the network would not be able to support my learning.