This network representation illustrates the connections of my digital life. However, I could continue on and on. This represents a more linear visual image than that which is really my experience. However, upon attempting to diagram all of these connections in a more cyclical fashion, it became difficult to follow. Let me explain.
This network of information and people work together. By that what I mean is that they appear to be individual slots on a diagram, yet in “reality”, so to speak, these individual links are very fluid, connected, and more circular in nature. One person, or piece of information, many times leads me to another link within the chain of connections, or to a new avenue which has never before been discovered. These connections are not just inclusive of my experience, either. Others within this network are affected by the actions which I take, the information which I seek, and the communication which we take part. Their reaction to my network causes a ripple effect within the greater community of connections. This affects my learning and the learning of others related to my network. This can be seen within all of the communities I am involved with.
So, how has this changed the way I learn? By involving myself with a community of experts and other seekers of information, I have created a pool of personal information, a wealth of resources for myself. Likewise, I am able, within my network community, to share my expertise and outside resources with others. The power of choice of communities, not based on geography, appeals to me because I am able to extend myself beyond physical borders and reach out to many more. The power of shared experiences gives me more of a sense of belonging, not just socially, but experientially to others I may not have been able to connect with within my physical community. The power of asynchronous communication gives me time to digest information, revisit, and archive. This has been an invaluable tool for me and has impacted my learning and knowledge base tremendously.
One of my favorite and least favorite places to visit is Facebook. It’s one of those places I hate to love, and love to hate. I originally joined in because of a request made by my 15 year old nephew. Now, when a 15 year old actually asks you to be part of his world, you don’t ‘decline’. Once my face page was created, and he was signed up as my friend, I was amazed, and still am to this day, at how many people find me. I purposely used my nickname in order to attempt to avoid too many requests, however, that didn’t seem to matter. That’s the part I hate. I love my solitude, and find it difficult to decline requests. The part I love is how intricate this web of connections is woven. It’s like playing six degrees of separation; in fact that’s not a bad idea for a game with friends.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Basic Instinct or Survival?
Basic instinct is a concept which is difficult to truly understand. After listening to Rheingold’s presentation regarding interaction of humans and the collaborative nature of man, I would have to say I agreed with much of what he was professing. However, when I look at the question “Do you believe that humans have a basic instinct to “interact and work as a group”?” I would have to say not necessarily.
While my background on ancient man is weak, I seem to recall from history that survival is what brought us together. Hunting in groups worked much better than alone. Relying on the group for safety, traveling as a hunting group, following herds of animals, etc., is what brought man together. And, speaking of herds, this is what brings many animal species together, too. Survival.
Personally speaking, and maybe because it’s so difficult to find, I seek solitude. Quiet time to reflect and be is what I seek in order to regenerate my battery and face the world of interactions which I must face in order to survive and be a contributing member of our society. Often times, I truly enjoy the interactions I have with others and sometimes I just really have to get myself prepared in order to face certain groups or individuals. What may have happened is that my “basic instinct” has been tampered with. Maybe the world around me or my upbringing has affected my instinct to seek interactions with groups. Maybe I would seek interactions more if they weren’t always in my daily routine!
Small children have basic instincts which are very apparent. Their instincts are to eat, sleep and to be nurtured through touch. All of these basic instincts are facilitated by a care giver; feeding a baby, holding, rocking to sleep. So, maybe we are more social beings than interactive beings. While these basic needs are also being addressed interactively, again, this is part of survival as well.
So, in conclusion, I would have to disagree with the statement that interaction as a group is a basic instinct. Socializing is what I would call a basic instinct of man, but to interact and work as a group, I believe, derives from survival techniques. And this continues into this day and age from the stone age to our information age.
While my background on ancient man is weak, I seem to recall from history that survival is what brought us together. Hunting in groups worked much better than alone. Relying on the group for safety, traveling as a hunting group, following herds of animals, etc., is what brought man together. And, speaking of herds, this is what brings many animal species together, too. Survival.
Personally speaking, and maybe because it’s so difficult to find, I seek solitude. Quiet time to reflect and be is what I seek in order to regenerate my battery and face the world of interactions which I must face in order to survive and be a contributing member of our society. Often times, I truly enjoy the interactions I have with others and sometimes I just really have to get myself prepared in order to face certain groups or individuals. What may have happened is that my “basic instinct” has been tampered with. Maybe the world around me or my upbringing has affected my instinct to seek interactions with groups. Maybe I would seek interactions more if they weren’t always in my daily routine!
Small children have basic instincts which are very apparent. Their instincts are to eat, sleep and to be nurtured through touch. All of these basic instincts are facilitated by a care giver; feeding a baby, holding, rocking to sleep. So, maybe we are more social beings than interactive beings. While these basic needs are also being addressed interactively, again, this is part of survival as well.
So, in conclusion, I would have to disagree with the statement that interaction as a group is a basic instinct. Socializing is what I would call a basic instinct of man, but to interact and work as a group, I believe, derives from survival techniques. And this continues into this day and age from the stone age to our information age.
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