Reflecting on my learning network

In my short 30 something years on this planet, my learning network has changed significantly. I grew up right at the precipice of a technological revolution, the invention of the internet. I am somewhat happy however, that my childhood wasn't filled with interactions involving screens and emojis. My learning network involved my immediate family, friends, church members and others who provided meaningful social interaction. Now, however, my learning network has expanded to individuals I've never even met. The one benefit of an expanded personal learning network is the variety of perspectives and pools of knowledge I have been exposed to. There is also a convenience factor in being able to use a variety of web 2.0 tools to access any knowledge I seek to find. Obviously, my go-to in this day and age is Google. I only slightly remember the time when I had to physically walk into the library and look through a card catalog to find information on a topic I was looking for (although I still do relish being among miles of books). Now, with a click of a button, I am connected to articles, websites, videos, images and so much more than I could ever need just to answer a simple question. Not to mention, outside of the internet realm there have been so many tools added to my repertoire that allow me to connect with my more immediate learning network of peers, family, and friends. Some of my favorite tools include Blackboard, Skype, Lync, Instagram, and Facebook. The latter social networks may seem vapid, but when used appropriately are powerful tools to instigate meaningful discussions and find and share information one would normally not seek. The digital age has evolved connectivism into a network that extends far beyond one's own culture and immediate social circle, which in light of the immense technological and medical advancements that have been made in recent years seems to be more of a benefit than a detriment. It is through this expanded learning network that I am able to teach virtually, attend an online university, self diagnose medical symptoms, seek recommendations for places to eat, expand my professional development, book other's personal homes to "live like a local" in another country while on vacation, and so much more!