Mindmap Reflection

Within my network I have included all of the networks that have assisted in my learning from childhood. Television became a method of assimilating the social values that I currently ascribe to. Utilizing this medium allowed for me to connect to a variety of experiences within other cultures and environmental settings. As I grew as a learner I took advantage of numerous situations to increase my knowledge. My fascination with law enforcement from an early age allowed for me to learn aspects of the culture of law enforcement as well as penal codes and the art of effective communication. As I felt a need to further connect to the history and multiple issues of law enforcement, I enrolled into an undergraduate program that allowed for me to increase my learning in a traditional setting. As a learner it is important to recognize the most effective learning personal landscape. I found for me, the traditional classroom setting did not afford me the opportunity to connect to the concepts that interested me.
After take a long break from my undergraduate studies, I began to evaluate my most effective learning styles. After a great amount of research, the concept of online learning sparked my interest. I determined that I am not a person who learns specific concepts without connecting the information to personal situations. I found the ability to study the theory behind concepts allowed for me to link theory with specific concepts. Considering that a majority of my life was spent working in combination with academics. The computer soon became a lifeline for learning. The computer assists me with gaining knowledge through communication with peers, instructors and other knowledge centers. One aspect of distance learning correlates the ability to be empowered by the learner. Many times I have not been able to contact someone to ask a question due to time restrictions or availability of an instructor. This situation has facilitated me using existing capabilities to find the answer.
The computer has allowed for me to express myself in an online virtual environment represented in my blog sites. Blogging has helped me connect to others who have similar interests. The advancement of online communication environments has also facilitated my ability to provide input and feedback to information and comments that I may or may not agree with. Other virtual environments have allowed for me to become successful at work and in my personal life. The concepts of “Connectivism” are evidenced in the use of networks that work in combination with each other. Each network provides a compliment to the other that increases my retention of new materials.