Sunday, December 27, 2020

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.

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