Distilling learning and information into their most basic elements reveals three simple words:

Relationships, Patterns and Processes

Relationships are the absolute foundation for learning and information (and systems).

• Relationships are what combine simple objects together into meaningful patterns.
• We learn by making relationships of new information to existing knowledge.

Patterns are information (and the framework of systems).

• Without patterns there would be no meaning. Everything would be random and chaotic. Meaningful information = patterns..
• The idea that we learn by making relationships means that our knowledge is a large array of patterns.

Processes are the actions of information (and systems).

• The formation of relationships and patterns is a process.
• The ability to realize information is a process/action of information. (The assimilation of information is process.)

These three words are are the fabric that holds everything together: This includes the systems we work on, the tools we use and it also includes ourselves: The way we learn, relate and create.

Relationships, patterns and processes are to learning what Ohm's law is to electricity and E=MC2 is to physics. Perhaps, realizing this will offer us a clear starting point and foundation to grow from, just as these simplifications (equations) have done for us in science.

Perhaps the Nucleus of Learning can be used to develop an awareness of the value of purposeful learning and to stimulate a learning culture in our industry.