Learning is like swimming in a deep ocean. The power of learning is unlimited, just as the power of the ocean is awe-inspiring. It is impossible to swim deep enough to uncover all that the ocean has to offer. It is equally impossible to uncover the true potential of the mind. Siemens (2005) writes, “that learning is largely unknowable, that is, we can’t possibly understand what goes on inside a person.” Similarly, no matter how deep we swim, we can’t possibly understand all that the ocean has to offer. “The mind is a black box. We don’t know what goes on inside.” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTgWt4Uzr54&feature=PlayList&p=3E43054A8703F57A&index=) The same can be said for the ocean.

Driscoll (2000) defines learning as “a persisting change in human performance or performance potential…[which] must come about as a result of the learner’s experience and interaction with the world” Environmental influences can either positively or negatively impact the ocean. Pollution, excessive fishing/trapping, and global warming damage the oceans in ways unseen by the naked eye. Reducing waste, recycling, limiting water usage and ocean clean up crews help to strengthen and support our oceans. In comparison, learning is influenced both positively and negatively by environmental factors. Parents, teachers, peers, home life and everyday experiences have a profound impact on learning, both positively and negatively. The impact can go unnoticed or unseen for years, but once impacted, it is difficult to undo.

Within the ocean are millions of species of plants and animals. Many species depend on each other for survival. These symbiotic relationships can be related to the dependency of learners on each other. "Experience has long been considered the best teacher of knowledge. Since we cannot experience everything, other people's experiences, and hence other people, become the surrogate for knowledge." As learners we rely on others for knowledge, similar to the many symbiotic relationships found within the ocean.