Mapping Learning Connections

     This week's blog will focus on the concepts of connectivism.  Connecting to resources and other members of the Instructional Designer community is an integral part of growing and improving our methodologies.  As a visual learner, I wanted to use a mind map to show the concepts of connectivisim.  

How my Network has Changed the Way I Learn

I wear many daily hats - mother, wife, housekeeper, curriculum developer, and student.  Finding a work/life balance can be challenging; each day is unique and often requires putting one hat on over another.  Finding time to attend learning functions in person is impossible at this stage of my life.  As learning never stops, I had to branch out and find alternative methods to keep my skills sharp and gain new knowledge.  Reaching out to my network via social media or other sites has allowed me a breadth of opportunity to connect with my peers and stay on top of recent developments in Instructional Design. With my network, I can accomplish my learning goals.

My Best Digital Tools to Facilitate Learning

1. LinkedIn Learning.  I am a huge fan of LinkedIn Learning.  It is easy to search for topics of interest, build and save learning playlists, keep track of your learning goals and course completions, and use the information to gather professional certificate hours.  

PROS

• Easy to navigate
• Large learning library
• Create and save playlists
• Course progress is automatically saved
• Courses can be applied to renewal hours for certifications
• Some colleges offer LinkedIn Learning for free

CONS

• Requires subscription outside of college
• Costly

2. YouTube.  Much like LinkedIn Learning, YouTube hosts a variety of media that can be readily accessed for free to enhance learning.  

PROS

• Free
• Easy to navigate
• Create and save playlists

CONS

• Ads interrupt learning
• May have a smaller learning library for specific topics
• Video progress may reset

How I Gain New Knowledge When I Have Questions

When I have questions, I start with the same process most people use - I use Google Search to find information!  I posted a previous blog about using Google Search's advanced features; you can see that blog using this link.

Another great source of information to tap into comes from subject-specific blogs.  I follow a variety of subject-matter-experts (SMEs) in the Educational and Instructional Design industries to stay up to date on relevant information and find information.  My first blog detailed how to use Blogs as Instructional Design Resouces.  Most blogs allow an area for comments and questions, which can be a great community resource for gathering information.

Ways My Personal Learning Network Supports the Central Tenets of Connectivism

As a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) through the Project Management Institute (PMI), all my LinkedIn Learning courses can be applied to my required renewal hours.  Most courses also have a breakdown of how many hour units are used for each course, making documentation a breeze.  Another way I can get hours for my renewal is from PMI Chapter Meetings, where other individuals with PMP can meet via Zoom or Teams to network, do professional development, and learn.  

Having diverse opinions in my network gives me the best chance to gather up-to-date information and get assistance if needed.  My information sources connect me to networks and SMEs that I could not access otherwise.  Social networks are one of the best ways to stay connected and foster relationships with peers.

I'd love to know what tools and methods you use to connect to networks and learning, leave a comment below!