Visual Network Mapping

Figure 1

Megan’s Visual Network Mapping

For this exercise, I used Kumu’s stakeholder template to create my visual network mapping. You can select the link under Figure 1 to obtain a clearer image of the map. I selected this template because it provides a simplistic and feasible visual map that I can explore my network in a visually engaging way. Instead of focusing on one specific area of my network, I prefer to see an all-inclusive view of my networks. I located myself in the middle of the map and surrounded by five main elements: Organizations, Family and Friends, Schools, Digital Network and Leisure. As I was adding the nodes and edges to the map, I can see a map of connections and stories, personal and professional growth and development, relationships, values, learning, and reflections.   

I am a people person who likes to interact and learn from and with others. Networks are therefore very important and valuable to me, “especially in a lifelong learning context” (Dron and Anderson, 2014, p. 147). I appreciate the freedom of learning in a network-based learning environment. It is a great place for collecting ideas and cultivating digital presence without making firm commitment. The opportunities of connecting with others and building relationships are infinite. Conversely, “the network form itself is by definition emergent and lacking in distinctive pedagogy” (Dron and Anderson, 2014, p. 141). It could be challenging to choose a desired or suitable learning path for formal education when there are too many options in the networks or when I am basically information overload. Communities on the other hand “appear to exhibit commitment, coherence, and continuity” (Veletsianos, 2016). As a member of the Project and Program Management Community of Practice in my organization as shown in Figure 1, I can share skills, knowledge, and develop solutions to problems with my colleagues, and create a distinctive learning environment within this work community. A reflection question: Would you consider MALAT as a network or community?   

An interesting finding from my family and friends’ network is that my child’s network is also starting to expand. I consider it as part of my network which will continue to grow and “the possibilities [of establishing connections and relationships] are endless” (Dron and Anderson, 2014). If I continue to build the map with an individual or location as the lowest denominator of each network, I perceive my network mapping to be significantly more sophisticated and complex. I will be curious to use a geo template from Kumu to capture a view of my local and global networks on top of a world map.  

Reference:  

Dron, J, & Anderson, T. (2014). Teaching Crowds: Learning and social media. Athabasca University Press. https://doi.org/10.15215/aupress/9781927356807.01  

Veletsianos, G. (2016). Digital learning environments. In N. Rushby & D. Surry (Eds), Handbook of Learning Technologies. 242-260. UK: John Wiley & Sons. https://www.veletsianos.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/digital_learninig_environments.pdf