Connecting to Connectivism

I've begun a study of Connectivism, a learning theory that attempts to model the multi-faceted sources of information that are available today (Davis 2008).

I used software at http://www.text2mindmap.com to create this “Mind Map” of the information resources I currently use.

As a first step, one of my mentors suggested I answer these questions (Actually a class assignment):

How has your network changed the way you learn?

Each branch of this map represents what I view as a different (although not necessarily separate) resource for learning. At first glance it would seem that as time has passed, I simply found or was presented with more resources. One point though: these resources – especially the ones that exist and are accessible via the Internet interact with each other and potentially serve as a repository and retrieval system of my knowledge.

Which digital tools best facilitate learning for you?

I would have to say that recently it has been the Walden Library. Or perhaps this is simply the resource I have used the most in recent weeks. In terms of facilitating, meaning making learning possible and arranging things so my learning is most efficient, I would have to say God. With respect to any reader who believes otherwise, I believe in God and find I learn much better when my learning activities include reaching out to Him.

How do you gain new knowledge when you have questions?

When I have questions I search forums and blogs first, check any books in my personal library, and seek out a mentor if someone I know comes to mind as potentially having the needed expertise. A benefit of creating this map is the realization that I forget to utilize some available resources

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

Actually, Connectivism supports a concept I’ve wondered about for years. I have what I suppose is an extensive personal library – lots of books. When I sometimes think to give or throw some away, I have a thought that if I do, then I would lose the knowledge that is in the book. Maybe instead of a sentimental attitude, this thought is an example of “… learning [residing] in non-human appliances,” (Davis 2008).

What I believe I need is a mechanism to store information as I come across it and retrieve it later when needed. This sounds like the cognitive description of the learning process, but with so much information and so many resources, I think an electronic, perhaps web-based utility would be most beneficial. I read something in a blog or on Facebook about such a utility. If only I could remember. 

… I know, I’ll Google “Knowledge Management,” I remember that phrase.

Yep. Found it. Citavi. www.citavi.com/en/index.html I’m going to download a trial of it and see if it will help me keep track of what I have learned/studied.

How do you keep track of your knowledge?

Reference:

Davis, C, Edmunds, E, & Kelly-Bateman, V. (2008). Connectivism. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved October 7, 2012, from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Connectivism