My networks within my mind map have definitely changed the way I learn on a day to day basis. Viewing my peers blogs give me the opportunity to observe different experiences that they go through with by using different ideas and approaches within the same field. If I tend to find myself lacking in technology or am not using an up to date learning tool, I can generally go to their blogs to find a different outlook. I am much more focused when I am searching for information because I know that the time and effort that I put into my networking will pay off.

I find that the digital tools that best work for me are the Walden Library Research Databases. With that informative tool, I am able to research a wide variety of articles and publications. Having these tools has become a very important tool for me as a current student. Google is also a great tool that I use to locate information in a timely fashion. It has always been a plus to have so much information literally right at my fingertips.

Being that this is an online based program I find that I have grown more accustom to searching for articles and essays via worldwide web. LinkedIn helps me remain in contact with professional business contact that I have developed. When I generally have questions about any of my submissions, I will tend to research the answer thoroughly before providing further information. I have found that even observing such sights as CNN.com that small articles have been dedicated to the field of instructional design.

I believe that my personal network definitely supports the central tenants of connectivism. Networking tools that I use such as Facebook and Google keep me in contact with friends and family on a personal level but also allow me to access vital information from any area or subject. The Walden MSID & Technology program has been the ultimate tool to facilitate my learning when it comes to this program and overall learning. I had no idea that this classroom environment would provide me so many valid articles and publications to perform research. My connections among my peers also provide another aspect of learning for me as well. By observing most discussion post and blogs I can learn from their professional and personal achievements and past experiences.