Reflection- Week 8 Learning Theories and Instruction 6115

What did you find surprising or striking as you furthered your knowledge about how people learn?
 I was surprise about finding out how people learn or how they process their information. Each learner possesses various characteristics of each intelligence, theory and style.  I learned I must incorporate traits from each learning style in order to be effective as an instructional designer and to aid the learner to be successful in processing information. As I finish this course of Learning and Technology I understand the importance of acquiring skills regularly to maintain a place in the “digital mainstream”. Although I may not be a “digital native” and have attended school for many years while maintaining social relationships, I realize that technology can enhance learning as well as social communications. Technology has not replaced human existence but has assisted it through the internet, the computer, telecommunications, broadcasting, and television.  

The interesting part of technology is where I find that I am on the other side of the desk (a virtual desk with a use of a computer). The professors do not stand in front of a class and lecture but become a regular part of the students’ daily schedule. We are then directed and guided with instructions on what to study. The convenience of the internet and the structure of distance learning at Walden University have enabled me to participate in an autonomous classroom along with different professionals and colleagues.

How has this course deepened your personal learning process? This course has deepened my understanding of my personal learning process by my understanding how the brain process information.  I understand how I process, retain and retrieve information.  My short term memory (STM) help me to process current information and my long term memory (LMT) aids me in retaining and retrieving information already learned (Ormrod, Schunk & Gerdle, 2009, pp67,68). The learning strategies were familiar and informative because I utilize one or have used all of the strategies to help me to be effective in learning, retaining information and retrieving information for comprehension monitoring (Dr. Ormrod, transcripts, 2010).

I learn through the daily applications and connections that are made my cognitive process of storing and retrieving information stronger with or without technology.  Additions to cultural learning have been linked through social and emotional learning.

 What have you learned regarding the connection between learning theories, learning styles, educational technology and motivation?
When i started Learning Theories and Instruction, the theories of Cognition and Behaviourism were very familiar to me. Studying this course has presented other theories which i didn’t know such as Constructivism, Connectionism, Social Constructivism, as well as Adult Learning theories. A more complete framework of learning theories is now accessible with broader ideas about perception and the application of the cognitive processes.
The depths of my understanding of learning, and extended communications through technology are much more than originally imagined. Educational Technology spreads the variations of life and knowledge while it captures the essence of the heart through the use pictures, videos, movies, blogs, emails etc…

The connections between the different theories coexist with important emphasis to each part while adding to the whole picture. While a person maybe strong in one area today, tomorrow a different combination of theories may have dominance. Intrinsic and extrinsic rewards along with feedback are the token economy to motivation. Striving to accumulate values and ideas that build a better person who values yesterday and continues to nurture today and tomorrow is the task I understand to be at the core of any theory and style. Technology is the most current and efficient tool for knowledge and learning. To effectively learn, you not only have the cognitive processes enable you to learn effectively, to remember it effectively, that’s were motivation come up. Motivation is the driving force behind all other component of instructional design.

How will learning in this course help you further your career in the field of instructional design?During this course I learned how to create a blog site.  The activity was interesting and challenging, but I enjoyed it.  I learned how to post comments on my blog and respond to other blog sites.  I learned various educational technology skills that will be beneficial as an instructional designer.  Understanding my personal learning process, how other people learn, the connections between learning theories, styles and motivation will help me further my career in the field of instructional design by becoming an effective instructor.

Learning as an adult is rewarding and stimulates me to continue. Adult learning is about change!
“He or she comes with a mind, memories, conscious and subconscious worlds, feelings, beliefs, imaginations and a physical body, all of which can lead to new learning.” (Malcolm Knowles. 2000).
Training is required to learn about tools of the trade along with the most current theories for instruction. Remember the essential element of learning and the emerging thought about design.
• These areas are listed below.
• Stimulating creativity
• Assessing innovation options
• Focusing on the customer
• Designing new services
• Implementing change

Dr. J Ormrod “Learning styles and strategies” 2010 http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/courses/53036/CRS-CW-4603374/Transcripts

Dr. Jeanne Ormrod (2009) “Learning Theories and Instruction” chapter 4 and 5 (pp. 169–181)

 Conlan, J., Grabowski, S., & Smith, K. (2006) From Emerging Perspectives on Learning, Teaching and Technology Department of Educational Psychology and Instructional Technology, University of Georgia.
http://www.projects.coe.uga/epltt/index.php?title=learning

WEEK 7 Fitting the Pieces Together

I think my view on how I learn has been expanded due my deeper understanding of different learning theories since week 1. I think the most logical form of learning is Cognitive Theory because we are looking at how the human brain learns from an information processing point of view. This learning theory is more of a scientific approach to the process of learning and addresses the concepts of perception and memory. I think we can improve the process of learning to a certain degree but the pace of individual learning depends on innate ability of the learner, the learning environment, and the learner motivation. I believe, as Instructional Designers, we can improve learning by providing a positive learning environment and enhancing student motivation. I think fundamental learning also is related to an individual’s ability to concentrate or focus on any particular subject or problem. If a person can direct their brain to focus on any particular idea or concept they can usually decipher and comprehend information at a faster pace.
I think my expanded viewpoint now allows me to see the importance of the all of the learning theories because they all integrate into the 21^st century learner’s ability.  The Behaviorist Learning strategy which is based on stimulus-response associations is applicable to most fundamental learning processes. These would including recalling facts, defining and illustrating concepts, applying explanations, performing a specified procedure.
Constructivist learning theory uses the learners experience to create useful knowledge. The human mind creates meaning from the interaction of the environment and the learner’s social experience. The leaner constructs individual interpretations of the world based on experience and social interaction.
Social Learning Theory suggests students can develop learning skills to a certain maximum level or peak as individuals, but, we need social interaction with more knowledgeable peers in order to advance our problem solving skills to a higher level. I have certainly gained valuable knowledge and insight from my peers and professional associates.
George Siemens defines Connectivism as a “learning theory that integrates technology, social networks, and information”. The learner in the 21^st century is bound to use this high speed access information superhighway to gain knowledge and interact with their peers in their respective fields. Learning takes place when information is transferred from blogs and associated technology integrating audio and visual media.
Adult learning is specialized in four main groups. Action learning which emulates a college lab (hands on). Experiential learning which constitutes the past experience in the process of constructing knowledge. Project based learning which uses teams to collaborate on problem solving. Self-Directed learning which a strategy based upon motivation from internal/external forces. These forces can be financial, professional, or personal.
Certainly, the online classroom has changed the way I learn because it is a uniquely different learning environment when compared to the traditional classroom. We open the classroom door by logging in and we open our books by “clicking “on a resource subject, a discussion session, or an application assignment. We hand in our assignments by uploading, posting, or blogging. Of course, when we visit the Walden online library, we are only a few “clicks” away from and virtual wealth of knowledge. So, we can see that our online steps equate to the traditional classroom steps in functionality and effectiveness. I think this high speed access to information enhances learning because this communications technology allows us to focus on subject matter instead of wasting time gathering information. We can spend more quality time analyzing and comprehending the subject matter at hand and learning the technical skills needed to apply our knowledge intelligently.
I think my organizational skills have improved in the way I save information due to the complexity and large amount of information in this course. I have learned to blog effectively and successfully build mind maps to illustrate my thoughts visually which is very functional in the online environment. I think as 21^st century Instructional Designers and Learners we have to embrace technology and use it to the best of our abilities to be successful in our professional and personal lives.

A REFLECTION ON HOW MY CONNECTIONS FACILITATE LEARNING.

A REFLECTION ON HOW MY CONNECTIONS FACILITATE LEARNING.

How has your network changed the way you learn?

Initially the way i learn was basically on one directions where i read alone barely have discussions with my lecturer or with my fellow course mates.

My network of connectivism has changed the way i learn this day. In the sense that going to classroom to learn is not just to listen to the instructor but also have discussion with fellow classmates by reading their mind post and also response to them.

This type self-direct learning has network has brought me closer to my instructor, fellow classmates and also knowing the subject matter more than just reading it. As I have said earlier on the as an advantage. There is also the adisavdantage which can be distracting most times. It can make the learner to be addicted to internet all the time.

Which digital tool best facilitate learning for me?

The digital tool that best facilitate learning for me is my laptop and access to internet 24/7. My laptop is so close to me whether i eat, sleep, or even carrying out my house chores. Now my favourite site is Waldenu.edu and my blog where i get to socialize a lot, just as my network has it.

Another digital tool in this digital age is my BB (that is BlackBerry phone) which is always with me, making and receiving calls, keeping me connected in checking  my e-mails, chatting with some friends which another Way of socializing.

How do you gain new knowledge when you have questions?

This is my first online learning (school) so it is a bit different. In my previous schools, normally we have a traditional way of learning style that is face-to-face learning which i am very much used to.

I gain new knowledge basically by using my laptop either by searching through Google ( websites) or chatting with friends through yahoo IM, and Hotmail IM.

In what ways does your personal learning network support or refute the central tenets of connectivism?

My learning “connectivism network” support the central of connectivism.  I understand connectivism as continual learning process where knowledge are been transfer with different opinions.  

Importance of Networks

According to Siemens, “considering technology and meaning-making as learning activities begins to move learning into the digital age” (2005, para. 15). Inherent to this new viewpoint on learning is the idea that we can no longer personally experience everything there is to experience as we try to learn something new. We must create networks which, simply defined, are connections between entities. By using these networks - of people, of technology, of social structures, of systems, of power grids, etc. - learning communities can share their ideas with others, thereby “cross-pollinating” the learning environment (Siemens, 2005, para. 21).

References:

Connectivism. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Connectivism

connectivism

Joyce Mind mapping. Finally it is done. Please feel free to add to this map. It is part of learing process and also experimental lerning which lead us to soical learning.

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Connectiism

Welcome to my mind map. It is design to perfect our learning experiences and style in improving ideas and knowledge for futher studies.

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