Three final reflection questions:
What is the quality of my learning networks: diversity, depth; and, How connected am I?
The quality of my learning network has increased dramatically since the beginning of the class and even more from the beginning of the semester. I’ve been wanting to use more web 2.0 tools and increase my learning network but with working full time and taking classes, it had been difficult. My last class required I keep a blog and this class continued that exercise. I believe that to make something habitual, you need to be disciplined to keep doing it until it becomes habit. I feel that I’ve reached that point with blogging and look forward to continuing my posts.
Also valuable was the requirement to respond to a professional blogger’s post. This was a bit intimidating and without being an assignment, I’m not sure I would have done it on my own. Now that have, I will continue to do so. I’m a firm believer that if you don’t put yourself “out” there, things won’t happen. This class gave me the little push I needed to accomplish that.
I’ve also discovered the value in using Google apps. I preferred Netvibes to iGoogle, but being able to combine iGoogle with my Gmail, Google Docs, Google Maps and other useful applications, I’ve made the switch. Google also integrates well with my iPhone. I’ve also started to use Diigo, Evernote and Remember the Milk on a regular basis.
Without integrating many of these tools into the coursework, I know I wouldn’t be at the point I am today and for that I’m thankful. I always like to learn new things and look forward to seeing how these tools will continue to improve and change my life as an individual and learning practitioner.
How has what you learned in this course changed/altered your view of the process of learning?
The concept of Connectivism has changed my view on learning because it’s put some structure on how the way students learn is changing. It helped me to recognize how teacher-centered my learning was when I was in grade school and how it was so personal and individual. That kind of learning was so limiting. Students today have so many opportunities to connect with other students and even the world around them. They have an opportunity to express themselves in many different ways and to participate in instruction and activities that address many different learning styles. I feel a little regret that I didn’t have those experiences growing up but I look forward to the opportunity to use these tools for my continued growth and learning. I graduate in the Spring and I had been wondering how I will continue my growth after school. Learning some of these new tools has given me the answer.
What questions are still outstanding?
The main question I have now is how to share and incorporate these tools into my course designs. In many ways I’m limited by what my company will allow me to use, but in the meantime I will continue my personal use of these tools so that when they are available at work, I’ll be in a better position to recognize their value and how to incorporate them into my design.
