Here is my mind map of my learning networks. I have organized this mind map based on the major component of my life: Personal, Social, Information, Professional, Life-long learning and Career. However there is significant overlap and a number of networks impact more than one area. When I finished this mind map and previewed the image, it is interesting that the connectors around the major components create an outline, similar in shape to the human brain – complete with two analogous but not identical hemispheres.
• How has your network changed the way you learn?
I have always been an independent learner. Even before the age of computers, the internet and google.com, if I was reading a textbook and had a question, I would look it up or read parallel sources, before I asked the teacher/professor. Thus I think the only significant change in the way I learn are that the time boundaries have been removed. In other words, in the past I had to wait for the library to open or for a book to be returned, whereas with the availability of network resources, I can learn any time of the day (or night). I have even been known to wake-up in the middle of the night with an idea and I get on the computer to look it up or write it down, so I don’t forget it.
• Which digital tools best facilitate learning for you?
Online courses are an excellent learning opportunity for me. I appreciate the flexibility and independence of asynchronous learning. I have participated in online course for both formal university degrees and for continuing education requirement for my professional licensure and certification requirements.
• How do you learn new knowledge when you have questions?
I look it up. With the power of the internet and the availability of professional and scholarly literature at my fingertips, I often find myself with 7-10 open windows as I begin searching and then follow the links within the document I retrieve. Needless to say, I can start this process at 8pm and before I know it, the clock shows 11 pm and I and still clicking around the web. That is not to say, I have wasted time (OK…maybe sometimesJ), but usually I have not only answered my original questions by have found additional information, both related and on new topics, that has enhanced what I know.
