I don't know if my network has changed the way I learn, but enhanced it. I still learn best when I process the information on my own, then develop questions that will usually lead to more questions. Once I identify the first set of questions, I start to find answers. I will usually Google the topic and look for all the information I can find. And being someone who always wants to know "why", any answers I find usually only lead me to more questions. After I've read through what I find on my own, I will usually ask my friends, colleagues, mentors, and classmates for their insight. I like to have as many viewpoints on a topic before I can form my own conclusions and thus "learn" a concept. This seems like a very cumbersome task just to learn something, but it is the process that works best for me. This doesn't mean I do this for every single thing I need at the time. There is a difference between learning a concept and using the information for the given task and then dismissing it. Technology allows me to not have to remember everything. If I have the foundation for learning a concept, then I can apply that knowledge for given situations, use that information for the intended purpose and then discarding it. We have become a society that thrives on instant gratification. I don't need to remember a phone number, I can program it as a speed dial or look it up each time. The time involved in looking it up is less than it would take to "learn it", so why bother?
Learning is no longer rote memorization of facts that can be applied to any situation. Instead, learning is about developing the skills to find the most current information apply it to the situation and develop an informed conclusion.
Grace,
ReplyDeleteThe way you described how you learn a new topic is a combination of the three C's discussed this week; collaboration, content, and communication. You collect content, you communicate your understanding to others, and then you learn and synthesize using collaboration. What role does technology, outside of internet searches, play in this for you?
How true you statement is, “There is a difference between learning a concept and using the information for the given task and then dismissing it.” However, WHY could I recall my address from fifty years ago today, and yet have trouble remembering my own phone number? I believe we still must remember a lot of information . . .just not the same information we used need to memorize. I have waaay too many usernames passwords locked among the cobwebs of my mind. I assume you’re saying that “people” are collaborators, resources and education are content, and Internet is communication? I particularly enjoyed your personal spin on your mindmap.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI see -- this is an assignment for 8845, not the Principles (8842) class I take with you. Sorry IF my previous post is misleading.
ReplyDeleteI did the same thing, (mixing up your classes), yet there is some overlap :) Does this happen a lot between the classes?
ReplyDeleteYes, unfortunately it does happen a lot. I have trouble keeping them straight a lot of times.
ReplyDeleteI have same problem mixing up the class assignments and topics.....
ReplyDeleteAnyway, Grace, I totally agree with your statement that learning is now more about developing the skills to find the most current information apply it to the situation and develop an informed conclusion.
For long time, I would like to call it as learning survibal skills. In this internet based society, it is a survibal issue to determine which information is useful and how to use it.....
I agree that Google has been given us a tools to compare information, search similar or different point of view to make informed decision. Finding process works best for you is a great way of putting internet based learning process. Through internet, learner can take different path ways to develop knowledge and opinions. Each learner may use different degree of collaboration, content and communication in online learning. Google would be something we find content with but not collaborate/communicate with. Do you utilize other collaborative or communicative internet applications in your daily learning process?