(I am hoping that this be able to be enlarged upon clicking!)
- How has your network changed the way you learn?
There are countless ways, but I think the most important are speed and availability. I remember as a child having to spend days at the library for grade school projects, learning the Dewey Decimal System (why do I still remember it?!), and combing through book after book for information. I look at just how quickly I can create a visual, post it onto a blog, refer to questions for this post and create a response all before lunch (while still managing to answer emails, make calls, text my wife and respond to student issues). Through this network, I have been introduced to new ways to connect and discover in an efficient manner. Now that information is available to me at such a rapid pace, it is more readily available. The downside is, there is such little time to absorb information as done in the isolated halls of a library. According to the Information Processing Model introduced by Baddeley (1998) cites “Working memory” and its process of “rehearsing” as essential for knowledge retention. Unfortunately, with this dearth of knowledge, the time set aside for this rehearsing often is reduced. So it often takes a motivated learner to actual train his or herself to let this knowledge sink in. - Which digital tools best facilitate learning for you?
I am a visual learner, so I have enjoyed the use of web-based sites that have incorporated or embedded video within it pages and posts. I find that this, along with statistical data can often enhance my learning of a particular subject area and allow me to see the practical applications of such theories or definitions. - How do you learn new knowledge when you have questions?
- If it is a quick answer, I will confess to using a quick search of Google (I’m still struggling to use that as a verb in the written form: googling. There I did it.). If it is a more thorough, thoughtful response, I will access a library database and page through online versions of texts, periodicals and journals, just as I would when I used the old Dewey Decimal system. The trade of the convenience of being able to do this from any number of devices in any number of location at any time of the day is often that I must refocus my attention and direct it solely to the task at hand. Even as I type this, I must sit with headphones in my ears in an attempt to block out the office chatter that takes place and can often interrupt the flow of a good thought.
Commented on:
http://rosalynrichards.wordpress.com/2013/10/23/module-4/#comments
References:
Baddeley, A. D. (1998). Human memory: Theory and practice. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
robrector 
Rob, you and I think alike. I too remember spending hours upon hours at the library doing research. I look back on that now and wonder how we did it?? I wouldn’t have the time now. Good post and amazing mind map.
Florence
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So far, everyone post I have read seems to be from someone in my generation. We have seen an explosion of information that goes way beyond our wildest dreams, literally. When I look at my students today, most are not interested in reading, and if forced to read, it better be short and sweet or they will not bother regardless of the consequences. I know the Internet and pictures are great, but I wonder if they are missing our on using their imaginations? I love climbing into a book and letting my mind take the adjectives and verbs and go to town. I smile, cry, clinch up, and laugh all with a book (digital or paper). Is there such a thing as too much information that may actually backfire on education? I wonder why the kids like instagram and pheed so much…
You know, Kelly, I wonder about this, but from a different angle. I wonder if this is — evolutionarily speaking — going to rewire our brain and cause us to think and process information differently. We are so used to learning in a linear fashion, but if if (again, over time) I brains were able to work much like these mind maps and we could piece together parts of multiple narratives at the same time, cross reference them, create relationships for them, etc. It may all sounds strange, but I am continually amazed with the brain’s ability and think its adaptability is limitless.
Rob,
I enjoyed reading your posting. Your networking map was interesting and creative! I see that our networking maps are very similar. The strands are almost basically the same while how we broke everything down is a little different. I think it is interesting that we both find so much help and support from our families. You did a great job on your map. I remember the days of the Dewy Decimal System when I was much younger and I agree that times have changed now and things are much more quick and easy when you need support and information. Good post!
Brian
Thanks, Brian. Damn Dewey Decimal. There’s so much new information that I could store in that brain of mine.
Rob, without a doubt the coolest and most comprehensive mind map. Not only did you include those that comprise your networks, but you also included the technology that you use to communicate with those network members. Also, I can appreciate your headphones comment. I have ADD and it is quite difficult to focus on anything in general, but I have found that headphones help me turnoff 75% of the television screens playing in my head. I hope that analogy made sense.
John,
Absolutely. Every conversation is its own channel. If there is only, it’s easy to center and focus. Thanks for the post!
I really enjoyed reading your post. You make an excellent point about the struggle to absorb so much information. I too find myself having to work in absolute quiet, something I never had to do before. I thought I was just getting older. After reading your post I wonder if the rich offering of media available to us on and offline is perhaps contributing in part to a sensory overload. That being said though, like you, I am a visual learner and I also place high regard on sites that include rich graphics and media in their presentation of content. I guess I am a slave to my own sensory overload. Great post.
Rosalyn,
I am plagued with the same thoughts. I wonder (when I let my mind do that), if it is a sensory overload, are we capable of rewiring our brain over time to find a better filing system for the influx on information? I mentioned in a previous post (I cannot remember which one, perhaps a casualty of this very topic!), that we are so used to learning in a linear fashion, what if, over time, our brains can learn to process multiple kernels of information simultaneously? I read reports of our circuitry being rewired for different reasons, and I hate to be fatalist, so I am hoping that we will adapt a way to process and make connections with this stream of information afforded us.
Rob,
How do you determine the accuracy and credibility of the video tutorials that you watch? I am sure you have a system in place for deciding which videos are reliable or worth viewing.
I look forward to your response.
Blessings,
Alison
Alison,
Great question. The answer is not quite as precise. I am a reading junkie. I have a host of sites that I visit multiple times a day (all aggregated on an app called Pulse (https://www.pulse.me/). It’s only after much research do I settle on trusted, reliable sources. Much like anything in education, the more planning you put into something beforehand, the better the result.
I saw your mind map and thought to myself, I am not the only person whose brain looks like it is steady in motion. I love it! I too am a visual person and this assignment brought reality to the madness in my head. I am connected to so many people because of technology today.
Your MindMap is very detailed, you did an outstanding job on it. Being a visual person, I was very intrigued to read your blog post because of your mind map. Thanks for sharing!