Pre-Internet, my networks were my colleagues at
school, students, family, and friends.
Since the Internet, my network of influence has vastly expanded and
information that I need and do not need is at the click of my mouse hurtling
towards me at high speeds. These
connections have affected the way I learn.
I would not have even considered continuing my education if it was not
for the convenience of online learning. Continuing
my education has added more to my load, but my networks have helped make
learning easier. From quick and easy
recipes to help me keep my family healthy and fit to sharing notes online with
the Christian community to keeping in touch with my friends and family in the Caribbean , my connections have helped bring some
organization to my busy life. Instead of
driving to the library to look for information and books that may or may not be
available, I can now access information via contacts on Delicious, via blogs,
the wikis of my colleagues and colleagues of my colleagues, Walden’s online
library, Google Scholar… the resources are endless.
Siemens (2006) explained that, “The act of learning… is one
of creating an external network of nodes” (p. 29). Since I have been a student in the arena of
educational technology, I have learned best by communicating with my instructor
and cohorts on discussion posts, blogs, wikis, and Google Docs, and Skype. Any technology which allows me to engage in
discourse and exchange ideas, tips, tools, and techniques that enhance my
pedagogy is valuable to me. These
digital tools have enabled me to manage soft knowledge (Siemens, 2006). When I have questions, I typically ‘google’
the information and spend time scouring the Internet for valid sources of
information. “Technology is providing
new affordances for individuals to become involved in publishing, knowledge,
exchange, and to access experts” (Siemens 2006, p. 19). It is key that we be able to access true
experts, and be aware, especially in open source environments, that the
information and the source is valid and reliable.
Vida Martin
Reference
Siemens, G.
(2006). Knowing knowledge. Retrieved
from http://www.Lulu.com
