Reflection on My Personal Mind Map and Connectivism

     Creating a mind map can be very beneficial when reflecting on the networks and connections in my life that facilitate learning. The networks in my life influence the way I see the world, understand events that are happening around me, and keep me up-to-date on the latest events and information. As discussed by Davis et al. (2008) on the idea of learning connections and their impact on knowledge, an individual’s perception and networks of new information or events are impacted by the diverse opinions and perspectives of the social groups they are involved in. As I daily grow in new knowledge and experience new events or circumstances, the learning connections I have in my life significantly impact the way I learn.

     As a part of my learning connections, digital tools play a prominent role in facilitating my learning as well. Previously, individuals had to spend time with a book or individual that knew more about a subject area to learn from them. Now, as I want to learn Spanish or how to make a specific dish that my husband loves, I can simply search the internet or download apps like Duolingo to learn more (Ungvarsky, 2021). Additionally, as seen in my mind map, I rely on current-event resources. Digital tools such as apps and videos are some of the easiest and quickest ways for me to learn new information. Any digital tool that provides access to the latest information and knowledge to keep me connected and keep me up-to-date is a crucial factor of digital tools that I rely on to help facilitate my learning (Siemens, 2005). 
     An essential part of my learning is gaining new knowledge by asking questions. Everyone is familiar with the common question of every two-year-old that is only one word but encompasses so much curiosity and wonder: “Why?” No matter a learner’s age, questions are undoubtedly a primary form of gaining new knowledge. A large part of my questions is directed to the personal learning networks included in my mind map, as I resort to these networks in order to answer my questions and continue my daily search to further my knowledge. Like most individuals in which I am included, my web resources and any human connections I have in my life are my primary sources for answering questions. This is because social connections, culture, and communities surrounding a learner significantly impact the knowledge they gain (Walden University, LLC, n.d.). This is true in my personal learning, as I ask questions of my coworkers, classmates, instructors, church members, family, and friends daily. These social interactions significantly impact my view on society, culture, communities, and the world around us as I continue to reevaluate and maintain the networks and connections I have developed from the knowledge I acquire through asking questions.
     Overall, my personal learning networks support the central tenets of connectivism. Many of my networks provide diverse opinions that push me to grow my knowledge of what is true. Although not explicitly detailed on my mind map, my family and friends are individuals that I rely on heavily for growth in knowledge, as they are individuals who always push me to explore new knowledge and ideas with diverse perspectives and insight with new and up-to-date information—a few fundamental pieces of connectivism (Davis et al., 2008). Additionally, the wide variety of networks in my life always presents us with new information to assess and compare against what I already know. Most times, these networks allow me to reevaluate my connections and how continually be in the mindset that there is more to learn (Siemens, 2005). I should never be content with what I know, for there is always more to learn from my personal learning networks. 

References

Davis, C., Edmunds, E., & Kelly-Bateman, V. (2008). Connectivism. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. http//textbookequity.org/Textbooks/Orey_Emergin_Perspectives_Learning.pdf
Siemens, G. (2005). Connectivism- A learning theory for the digital age. International Journal of Instructional Design & Distance Learning, 2(1). http-//www.itdl.org/journal/jan_05/article01.htm
Ungvarsky, J. (2021). Connectivism. Salem Press Encyclopedia
Walden University, LLC. (Producer). (n.d.b). Connectivism [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.