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. :)