Reflection on my Learning Networks

Often times I feel I am on information overload with the amount of email and literature I am confronted with on a daily basis not to mention the rate of change.  I feel I can never keep up with the latest most up-to date information and technology.  The theory of connectivism is based on ”rapidly altering foundations” and the need to make decisions based on newly acquired information (Davis, Edmunds, Kelly-Bateman,2008).  My learning network is comprised of many different resources including the traditional brick and mortar schools.  Technology helps me to access the information I need on demand and when it is most relevant to me. By following different groups, blogs, and social sites they provide a reliable wealth of information from which I can make meaningful decisions.  This form of informal social learning is based on the work of Bruner, Bandera, and Vygotsky (Laureate Ed n.d.) I don’t have to be an expert in every topic but can rely on the network I have built to determine the right course of action.  Connectivism recognizes that in today’s world, “we can no longer personally experience everything there is to experience as we try to learn something new (Siemens, 2005).

I utilize my organizations Yammer group, Learning at GSK, to understand how adult learning principles are applied across different business units within GSK and stay abreast of new concepts being developed. The discussions that take place on Yammer allow me to reflect on my knowledge as well as explore my colleague’s perspectives. 

The blog posts I subscribe to allow me to dive deeper into concepts in small increments of time when I need answers to a problem I am working on or learning about new subject matter.  According to the Siemens, “Decision making in itself is a learning process.  Choosing what to learn and the meaning of incoming information is seen through the lens of a shifting reality” (Siemens, 2005). 

Following Linked In groups is useful for putting the learning into a relevant context.  Exploring how other trainers in similar organizations are utilizing adult learning principles and technology to provide effective learning helps me find support for recommendations I make at work. 

I utilize Google search and Google scholar to locate information and then dig deeper utilizing the social networking sites available to me. This provides me with a broad search to funnel down to specifics most relevant to my needs.

All of these components come together to support my life and work experience, my self-directed nature, a problem centered versus topic centered approach and my desire to achieve, and relevance to my problems.

References

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

Laureate Education (Producer). (n.d.). Connectivism [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu

Siemens, G. (2005 January). Connectivism: A learning theory for the digital age.  International Journal of Instructional technology & Distance Learning.