Summing it up!

As I ponder the last eight weeks, I find it hard to believe the wealth of information I consumed in such a short time span. It’s completely amazing how much information there is to be consumed in reference to learning styles and learning theories. Each learning style and theory takes a different direction to approach learning. As I completed the learning theory matrix, I noticed that some of the theories shared some of the same characteristics, yet they were all different in some aspect. None of the theories stood alone. As learners we learn by pulling bits and pieces from each of them.

During the duration of this course, I developed an understanding of my own learning process. I have come to the conclusion that I learn best when the material to be learned is presented in numerous ways. I prefer a minimal amount of reading, and more videos, audio, and multimedia presentations. Additionally, I have a strong need for deadlines to be set, whether mandatory or self made. Without deadlines, I know that I will procrastinate until the very end. Deadlines help me manage my time and complete assignments more effectively.

Throughout the course we learned about learning theories, learning styles, educational technology, and motivation. I’ve learned that in order to provide effective instruction in the field of instructional design, all of the theories and learning styles must be incorporated throughout the instruction. In addition to considering the various learning theories and how learners pull something from each of them, I must also strongly consider the various learning styles. Students must be taught through differentiated instruction for true learning to take place. Every learner learns differently and instruction must be approached as such. I feel that when instruction truly touches on each learning theory and considers all learning styles, students will ultimately be motivated to learn. They’ll find means to approach learning in a style that they are comfortable with and enhance those styles they aren’t too comfortable with. True instruction will enhance and challenge each and every learner.

Learning Theories: Fitting the Pieces Together

Several weeks ago I was asked to discuss how I learned based on learning theories and learning styles. At that time, I thought the behaviorist theory and the cognitive theory described my learning style. After many weeks of taking a deeper look into all of the learning theories, I can now say I really can’t pinpoint a particular learning theory that describes my complete way of learning. Different theories fit different learning situations.

Through the Social Learning Theory I have learned a lot by observing my peers. As an educator, I have learned valuable information that has really helped me be successful in my classroom. Oftentimes as teachers, we learn the likes and dislikes of our students well before they are our students through simple observation and conversations with teachers in the grades below us. Bandura implies that people can learn by observing behaviors of others and the outcome of those behaviors (as cited in Ormrod, 1999).

On the other hand, I have learned valuable information simply from communicating with others. Simply being able to talk with others about different things has opened my eyes to new things – some interesting and some not so interesting. The wonderful world of technology affords me the opportunity to learn socially through searching the web, texting, emailing, blogging, and chatting. There are so many ways to connect on the social level today, that learning is always taking place. Technology is taking the place of books everyday. Information is available at our fingertips from all over the world. We are able to use various means of technology to search, find, and store information with a simple click of a button.

Likewise, I can relate to the Constructivist Theory. This theory implies that learning is based on personal experience, which really explains how I am so far capable of handling online courses. Through our readings and discussions, we have been able to discuss how what we have read and studied relates to our own personal experience. I think this has been very important because it allows me to discuss matters that are not redundant, but relative to me. This has taught me to add meaning to the things I am learning rather than just learning them for the sake of passing the course.

There is so much more to learn about these various learning theories. My assumption is that before it’s all over, I will yet change my mind again about how I learn best.

Reference:

Ormrod, J.E. (1999). Human learning (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall.

Thoughts on Connectivism

In this present day and time, my means of learning have changed tremendously. When I was in elementary and middle school I learned basically everything from my teachers and friends. As I entered high school, I mainly learned from my teachers and reading required materials. Then came the college life. Learning took place from listening to lecture after lecture and really delving into doing research on my own. It wasn’t until this time that I began to take an interest in politics and things going on around me. This is when I began to read world news in the newspaper and online. I also learned a lot from talking with family and friends.

Now that I am an adult learner, I know that there are numerous ways for me to learn from others outside of family and friends. Generally, the ideas of my family and friends are similar to mine which can be crippling in the learning process. I am able to learn from outsiders by reading books, using forums, reading blogs, blogging, having online discussions through chatting, and visiting websites that pertain to my level of interest at the moment. These ways of learning definitely tie into the theory of connectivism. George Siemens explains that connectivism integrates technology, social networks, and information. In order to absorb all that there is to learn and make valuable use of it, we must connect with others for continual learning to take place. True learning is not a personal experience and the use of technology allows connections to be made to interact with other learners.

One particular interest that I have learned the most about through networking is photography. I have spent countless hours on the Internet learning tips and tricks. I’ve learned how to take better pictures and ways to use Photoshop to enhance them. I’ve joined several groups and social networks that encourage sharing with others of similar interests. This type of networking allows me to avoid some mistakes and learn from those that have already been made. I love learning from other people more so than simply reading books and manuals. My newfound interest in instructional design has and will be further enhanced through network connections. Connectivism without a doubt will make my learning experiences a lot better.

Connectivism

As a class requirement, I have created a Network Connection Mind Map. This map includes various network connections I use for information and support. The map may be found at http://mywebspiration.com/view/275888ae01. I am currently trying to figure out how to save this map as a jpeg in order to connect the map directly to my blog.