Connectivism Mind Mapping

Developed using FreeMind software

Reflections of a Mind Map

How do we connect with the world of information that surrounds us? The mind map above is a small illustration of how I learn through connecting with my world. The majority of my connectivism is through technology; however, each of the sources that relay information create a whole that flows right into my mind at different levels and for a different purpose of understanding and learning.

Connectivism is a somewhat new term and theory for the 21st century that discusses how we learn using the expansion of social networks. The advent of social networks in 21st century has expanded our reach in acquiring information by resources and speed and how we learn. As a trainer and instructional designer, the social network has literally expanded another method of facilitating information for teaching.

Reflection of my mind map illustrates all the different sources I can retrieve for learning. The expansion of my social network has certainly changed the way I learn by the various sources of information available. Even the addition of XM radio in my car has now expanded my access to news and talk radio.

Although the foundation of information is available, I still have to know how to best use my resources. Also, what I do with the information and how I learn from it also is distinctive to my learning. Some learning is for pure pleasure and just obtaining some general knowledge, while other learning might be for a cognitive or conceptual purpose. Some knowledge I may wish to retain and some may just be for the moment. Knowledge about Lindsay Lohan going to jail probably won’t be important to me in the future, but at least if it comes up in conversation by one of my daughters, I don’t appear to be totally outdated.

My learning is various based on the knowledge I wish to acquire. Of all my connections, the computer offers the widest range of information and is the most accessible at any time. However, if I’m seeking specific information, navigating through the vast amount of web data can be laborious, but still the Internet is the source I use most. At times, I do still rely on the old fashioned and traditional method of learning from books.

As an inquisitive person, I’m often finding myself asking questions of “why” and “how” when it comes to understanding and exploring, suffice it to say, I enjoy learning, often just for the sake of learning. Of course the information needs to be of interest and within my own Zone of Proximal Development as introduced by Vygotsky. I’ll find information through a quick Google on the Internet or by tapping into my people network. 

My personal network cannot refute the central tenets of connectivism because information is not flowing in a linear sequence and they do not stand alone in a holistic sense. Although the information received are from a different source or spin, it’s all flowing into one main source which is me. Now my own thoughts, perspectives, and ideas will evaluate and make sense of the information obtained.

Each of my social network units offers some type of learning either through facilitation or direct information. As George Siemen proclaims, we live in a society where information is in large abundance and easily accessed. It’s not that learning and information wasn’t available before computers and networks, it’s just that I can now access it quicker and in larger amounts.

My problem is not finding enough information to study, review, or evaluate, but instead, it’s about managing my time better to not get entwined by information overload.