MY LEARNING CONNECTION

The above picture shows my own unique mind map! I know that it has been awhile since I have posted a blog but I have been very busy learning all about the different learning theories and how they work. What I have discovered the last few weeks is that as an adult learner I have my on unique way that I learn and retain information. The above Mind Map outlines my different learning connections that I use from online resources, social networks, to my formal education experiences. I will briefly tell you how each one of these connections!

FORMAL EDUATION

My formal education started at Western Illinois University (WIU) in Macomb, IL where I majored in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration (LEJA) and minored in Computer Science and Sociology. When I look back at my education I think I primarily refer to my experiences in graduate school at WIU where I received a Master of Arts in LEJA. The LEJA graduate program was geared toward law enforcement personnel that had been in the field for a number of years. I got to experience an awful online classroom experience and it was not until my recent enrollment in Walden University did I realize the potential for a good enjoyable online classroom. While completing my undergraduate and graduate work I completed a number of internships that allowed me the opportunity to apply the knowledge I had gained while in school. Another portion of my formal education refers to my training I completed at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. This training is vital to my safety as well as my fellow agent’s safety in the field. My training experience included becoming proficient in everything from immigration laws, firearms, defensive measures, to tactical driving. All of this formal education has an impact and is connected to my different learning connections.

ONLINE RESOURCES
It was during my college experiences when I finally understood the impact of online resources. Little did I know how important the internet would be to my educational experiences. I can officially say that I feel comfortable using both the WIU and Walden online libraries as well as different search engines such as Google and CNN. For work I am required to use an online tool we call the Virtual Learning Center which allows us to be current on all the certifications needed to be an agent.

SOCIAL NETWORKS
The use of social networks is probably my favorite of all my learning connections. Discussion boards, blogs, Facebook, and MySpace allows me to just jump online and get different perspectives of people on issues that I am interested in. Along with the above mentioned social networks I also enjoy using instant messaging, email, text messaging, as well as face to face interactions. I hope you enjoyed looking into My Learning Connection!