Sunday, October 23, 2011

Module 4



Connectivism Mindmap

Please click here to see the mindmap

How has you network changed the way you learn?
            I used to listen to my parents, adults, and teachers to gain knowledge in the past.  I also studied my textbooks and school notes.  Now, networking and technology have open up doors that keep me learning and advancing professionally.  For instance, my dream is to become a doctor in education, but I do not have the time to go to the university.  Through my work, I found out about distance learning education.  I was able to enroll and complete a master program in technology.  Now, I am working on a doctorate program in educational technology.
Which digital tools best facilitate learning for you?
            The best digital tool for me is the Internet because it allows me to advance academically.  It also provides communication means such as the email, messengers, and blogs.  The Internet offers a lot of information and how to do things, but it is essential to identify reliable sites.
How do you learn new knowledge when you have questions?
            If I have questions, I search the Internet for answers.  I can find almost everything, but I need to know how to look for it.  I also ask my friends, and this helps me brainstorm.  Later, I reflect on what I need, so I pick and choose what I think is the best answers for my questions.  In this stage, I am acquiring and creating my own knowledge as stating by Siemens (2006).

Reference
Siemens, G. (2006). Knowing Knowledge. Retrieved from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/courses/72030/CRS-WUEDUC8812-5701377/siemensknowingknowledge.pdf

8 comments:

  1. Hi,
    I agree, the internet is a key tool in advancing academically. When deciding whether or not to persue a Master's Degree several years ago, I decided to go through a distance education program. As the mother of a toddler, I did't want to spend time away from him or pay a babysitter for the hours I was in class. The online program was a solution to that problem and I had a great experience. When I decided to continue to my Educational Specialist degree, I didn't even consider a traditional university setting.
    Jennifer

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  2. Hi Andres

    I often marvel at how networked learning has advanced over the years. During my career with AT&T, we designed and deployed first generation cutting edge technology business solution. Online learning was used mostly with corporate training via intranets. Today we have 4th generation (4G)technology that permits global access to social networks for any reason that you can name.

    Having designed training modules and developed online processes for Sales teams, helped me in my decision to pursue my Masters and now my PhD online. The internet is a great place to acquire information and gain knowledge. One can also keep in touch via blogs, twitter, and facebook with family and friends. Create Social Networks on Linked In and Google Docs. Set up learning communities using Skype, Google Doc, Anytimemeeting.com, and Wikispaces. Recently, I found a classmate on one my my social network that I had not seen since we were 17 years old.

    I could not open your mindmap.

    Sarah

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  3. Hello Jennifer,

    In my case, I wanted to continue advancing in the educational ladder. I was hesitant because English is my second language, and I felt that my writing skills were poor. I took the risk; I had to learn what I was missing and complete a master program. I am still using the Internet to obtain a doctorate in educational technology.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hello Sarah,

    The Internet is a powerful tool. It provides a lot of information, but we need to be careful and find a reliable source for it. Educational institutions offer programs to advance academically through the Internet. The Internet also provides communication means to create a social network in the world.

    Sarah, I had problems posting the mindmap, but it is there. You need to move the move between the title and the fist line. The cursor will change to a hand, so you can click and see the mind map. I hope this helps you.

    Thank you,
    Andres

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  5. Andres

    You mentioned that online instruction plays a very important part in your future. How do you think your future would have been different without technology?

    Cheers
    Linda H

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  6. Andres,

    Thanks, I found the hand (smile), I like your mindmap. It tells a bit about you personally.

    Thanks,

    Sarah

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  7. Hello Linda,

    Technology is an essential part of my life. It is also part of my education; I completed all the coursework for Computer Sciences. With technology, I was able to follow my educational dreams. It is difficult to imagine my world without it. I use technology for personal, professional, and educational needs. It is a crucial skill in today’s world.

    Andres

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  8. Andres,

    I agree that the digital world has opened up so many doors for us. I too wanted to advance my education and was worried about having the time to do it until I found Walden. The internet is a huge part of my life now. I rely on it for everything.

    Rachel

    ReplyDelete