Connectivism Network Reflection

     My network has changed the way I learned, for if I do not know or remember something, I know where or how to find the answer.  It’s similar to when I worked in retail if I could not assist I would know who could and where to refer the customer. I had a connection to find the unknown. As a youth in primary and secondary school we had the saying, “I got connections” to explain how we acquired or attained something. It was for anything from a how or where we got candy to different style or color of shoes. Knowing how and where to find answers is due to connections or in this instance Connectivism. I am not pressed to remember every component piece or step but I can refer to the website, app or data storage place of location.

     Many digital tools are utilized to best facilitate learning, yet Google is truly an all in one or one stop shop for my facilitation of learning. Almost always, I will be using Google in one way or another. YouTube is another place as well as others like TeacherTube have what I need to share show or study for learning and instruction. One recent, example is when my Acura TL began to have starter problems; I used Google to research the problem through forums and blogs.   YouTube was used to find videos that showed the step by step process to replace the starter. Upon noticing I had all the tools and was capable of doing the task, I completed the job as saved myself over $300. YouTube has helped me to retrieve information that I may not recall all steps or tools required for completion; furthermore, it has made me aware of something that I was capable of completing, instead of paying the hefty auto repair shop price. Google Play Store apps have more apps than I need to facilitate learning. For example, the Flipboard app allows me to customize tiles to remain up to date with news and innovation from current events to my interests.

     To gain new knowledge if I have questions, I consult with branches of my network through posting comments, emailing or contacting by other alternatives. The wide ranging variety of YouTube videos is very thoroughly detailed. Google searches are helpful and being a part of forums and blogs. Also, there are apps and I also can ask people such as my brother, Houston, Texas resident, who has worked in wireless data communications since pagers, and a friend, Opelika resident too, who has been with T-Mobile since they changed the name to “T-Mobile” from “Voice Stream” in 2002. These connections keep me informed.

      The uniqueness of my network supports connectivism because each component connects or fills in missing information needed. My ability to learn adapt and maintain in life and on the job is due to my connections. The example mentioned earlier about repairing my vehicle showed how I can learn more about myself and my vehicle to remain knowledgeable. If I had questions I could consult others via Internet as well as contact someone in my community network if the job proved to be beyond my skill or resources. I use each branch of my network together to facilitate learning. As an instructor I will use my colleagues as well as Internet resources blogs and networking.  My “Connectivism Network” shows examples of some of the tools I frequently use. Connectivism and technology provide the luxury of having more than enough knowledge resources to learn more since there is always more to know.