Through the use of the Internet and the vast store of
knowledge it holds, finding information has changed greatly during my
lifetime. What had once been knowledge
that was unavailable or unknown within a person’s sphere of influence has now
become commonly known, or simple to find.
I learn best by testing out and “fiddling” with new programs about which
I must learn. When I run into an issue
or cannot discover how to accomplish a task, my first choice is to turn to
Google search to see if others have posted solutions to the issue. In the past week, this very scenario occurred
and in both instances a quick Internet search provided usable results. Rapid solutions allow me to resolve issues
and move onto matters requiring more creative thinking.
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| Ted, an art friend whose pins I follow on Pinterest. |
Google search is a simple way to discover solutions,
however, there are several digital tools, which foster learning networks and
create a unique learning environment. I
have gained much from the way others have used Pinterest to store ideas and organize
images they find on the web. As an
artist and creative spirit, this ability to store visual images and see what
others share provides inspiration at my fingertips. Pearltrees,
has a similar function although one is able to quickly see connections others
have made as it links the learning and discovery quickly into a dynamic
learning web. And a final digital tool
which I find invaluable in learning is texting others to ask quick questions or
send pictures and video to analyze and resolve learning issues.
Through the use of a vast storehouse of knowledge and the
connected nature of learning through digital tools, the theory of connectivism
has grown into a common term in learning circles. While behaviorism focuses on observable
actions and constructivism blends prior knowledge, the ability to connect or “plug-in”
to the socially dynamic knowledge found on the Internet has created a new kind
of learner and problem solver.
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