Reflection of Course (Learning Theories & Instruction)

 

Course Reflection

What did you find surprising or striking as you furthered your knowledge about how people learn?

One thing that surprised me as I furthered my knowledge on the way that people learn was how impactful learning strategies was on one’s ability to learn. I would always classify myself as a visual learner and I believed that the use of visual aids were tools that helped me learn best. After learning about learning strategies, I have redefined my knowledge retrieval process. I have found the use of many strategies such as elaboration, cues, mnemonics, and more to be highly useful when learning new information. Although I still prefer to utilize a host of many visual aids, I would not solely say that I am a visual learner because there are many other learning techniques that have been effective.

 

How has this course deepened your understanding of your personal learning process?

This course has helped me to really analyze and evaluate the way that I best retrieve and retain information. Here is a summary of the information that stood out to me in each week:

Week 1: In week 1, the focus was on understanding the learning process and differentiating between a conventional and unconventional learner. I was able to analyze what kind of learner I was and understand the importance of learning theories from an instructional design perspective.

Week 2: In week 2, the focus was on information processing and ways in which individuals can best remember information. Getting enough sleep, maintaining a healthy diet and daily meditation were a few factors that led to an increase in brain retrieval. This was something that stood out to me as I analyzed ways in which information could be stored into my long-term memory.  

Week 3: In week 3, the focus was on the cognitivism and behaviorism theory. One thing that I took away from this week’s learning was the importance of creating interactive experiences in learning. Interactive experiences may allow an individual to successfully retrieve and remember information taught. Gamification was one of the examples given that can provide students with an interactive learning experience.

Week 4: In week 4, the focus was on the constructivism and social learning theory. I learned the importance of creating a social environment in an online classroom (in which I believe is possible to some extent).

Week 5: In week 5, the focus was on adult learning and connectivism theory. This was one of my favorite theories to learn about as I was able to relate and connect what I learned to certain aspects of my life. One thing that stood out to me in relation to how adults view education was the notion that adults pursue education with a purpose.

Week 6: In week 6, the focus was on learning styles and strategies. This week helped me to understand how much of a visual learner I thought I was. I came to understand other factors that aids in my ability to learn new information.

Week 7: In week 7, the focus was on integrating technology into instruction. I enjoyed providing my insight on the growing use of STEM education and how useful it has become today.

Week 8: In week 8, the focus was on motivational factors in an online classroom. I enjoyed thinking about ways (from a learner perspective) in which I can stay motivated during an online course and ways (from a designer’s perspective) in which I can motivate others.

 

What have you learned regarding the connection between learning theories, learning styles, educational technology, and motivation?

Regarding the connection between learning theories, styles, educational technology, and motivation, I have learned that learning theories is the basis for how knowledge is received and processed during learning while learning styles refer to the mode of instruction that learners find most effective. Educational technology refers to technology used to facilitate learning while motivation (as described in this course) refers to the internal drive that an individual has when it comes to their academic success. The way that knowledge is generated and enhanced depends upon these four factors.

 

How will your learning in this course help you as you further your career in the field of instructional design?

My learning in this course will help me to develop effective learning material and programs that will be accommodating and engaging to all learners. Because the dynamic of education has changed during this year alone, I think it is very important to keep learners motivated in which this week’s learning has explained. When a student is motivated, they will likely be involved in a course. As an instructional designer, this is something to keep in mind when designing instructional products.

Reflection of Learning Theories/Styles

 Now that you have a deeper understanding of the different learning theories and learning styles, how has your view on how you learn changed? 

Now that I have come to understand the difference between learning theories and learning styles, my perspective on the way that I learn is different. Before furthering my knowledge on the idea of learning, I always referred to the style in which I learned. My preferred style is visual and every time someone would ask me ways in which I learn best, I would reply "I am a visual learner and I prefer to learn through videos, pictures, drawings and etc." However, the learning resources that were presented to me this week allowed me to understand that there is more ways in which a person can learn. One thing that stood out to me was the use of learning strategies. I didn't realize that using a host of learning strategies (elaboration, annotation, mnemonics) can enable individuals to retrieve and actually retain information in their long term memory. In fact, I use a a variety of learning strategies and didn't realize that those have been more of a benefit to me than learning through visual aids. When it comes to learning, there are many ways (outside of a learning style) in which one can learn. 

What have you learned about the various learning theories and learning styles over the past weeks that can further explain your own personal learning preferences?

The idea of learning theories provide a basis as to how individuals learn. An individual does not have to necessarily learn according to such theories because what may work for one may not work for another. This is where the idea of learning styles can become obsolete. It would be easier for an educator/designer to create learning material for individuals based upon researched based theories however, creating material to accommodate a person's learning style would be a bit much considering that everyone has different learning preferences. This is where the notion of learning strategies become ideal because they can be used by many learners despite a learning theory or one's style of learning. 

What role does technology play in your learning (i.e., as a way to search for information, to record information, to create, etc.)?

Technology is very prominent in my life. In fact, I don't think that I would be able to live without technology in today's world. From things such as my phone, computer, the internet, apps, software and more, technology enables me to accomplish an abundant of tasks. Generally speaking, I enjoy utilizing technology to learn. Whenever I am unsure about something, I would turn to the internet before an encyclopedia to find my answer. I believe that technology can serve a great purpose in learning and without it, I probably wouldn't be able to share my thoughts on this current blog. :) 

Mindmap: My Learning Connections (Connectivism)

 This week in my EDUC- 6115 Learning Theories and Instruction course, we learned how connectivism is related to adult learning and how a technology changing world can impact the way that individuals learn. Because networks have become a large part of learning, I created a mind map using Coggle to present some of the networks/connections that influence my knowledge. 

This mind map allowed me to discover how interconnected I was with so many networks and how heavily impacted my learning is based upon those of who I interact with. I reflected on my mind map using the following questions: 

How has your network changed the way you learn?

My network has changed the way that I learn in various ways. One being is that I have adapted to doing everything digitally. At one point in time, I was used to writing 10-page papers and looking through encyclopedias for research. Now, there are so many digital tools/networks that I have become accustomed to. Typing papers, and finding scholarly research through university libraries have become my norm. Because such tools have been easily accessible to me, my learning process has accelerated. 

Which digital tools best facilitate learning for you?

The digital tools that would best facilitate learning for me would be Adobe creative cloud, iBooks and Youtube. I have found these tools useful in helping me to enhance my creativity and expand my knowledge. Whether you are editing photos or creating e-learning content, Adobe will aid in that development. Networks such as Youtube have given me the ability to develop skills by watching tutorials and demonstrations while iBooks have allowed me to read a variety of books on one device in many settings. 

How do you gain new knowledge when you have questions?

When I have questions, I gain new knowledge by searching through Google. Google is my first source for finding the answer to all of my questions quickly. Now whether or not the answers are accurate, determines if I'm inclined to seek other sources for more effective answers. Because I am always near a mobile device, it is easier to obtain the answer to a question right in the moment on Google.  

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

My personal learning network supports the central tenets of connectivism by allowing me to connect and learn through a variety of people and resources online. One thing about internet technologies is that if used correctly and appropriately, one can learn efficiently and effectively. My personal networks may limit me from critically thinking at times because of how accessible they are in my life however, I am able to expand my knowledge on a fast-paced scale. I mean in today's society, who wants to learn the hard way (pen and paper) when the easy way (keyboard and monitor) have become far more effectual.