Reflection

           As I reflect on the last eight weeks of Learning Theories and Instruction I realize that the way that I learn and the way I responded to the first discussion post about my learning style, has changed.  I have developed a deeper level of understanding about the process of the different learning styles and I have actually applied some of the strategies that I have learned in my own classroom.

            What I found to be surprising is there is not one method or strategy that facilitates each person’s learning style.  Teaching one specific way does not ensure that every student will understand the new concepts and will be able to store the information in their memory.  Ertmer and  Newby (1993) stated,  “Learning is a complex process that has generated numerous interpretations and theories of how it is effectively accomplished “(p.51).  When I was learning about the different learning theories I realized that I had a misconception about Behaviorism.  I thought that Behaviorism was the lowest level of cognition when learning new concepts.  I was proven wrong when Dr. Paige (2011), stated “Behaviorism equals lower skill attainment, Cognitivism equals higher skill attainment, and Constructivism equals the highest skill attainment. This interpretation can be taken from the chart in the Ertmer & Newbey article if the article itself is not carefully analyzed. Actually, each of these theories is more closely aligned with HOW learning takes place, not necessarily WHAT is learned” (Walden University). So Behaviorism often times is instilled as rote and then with continuous exposure to the concepts, becomes automatic. I try and incorporate Behaviorism, Constructivism and Cognitivsm in my lessons so that I can ensure that each student is learning and they can apply new knowledge to new experiences.  Bill Kerr pointed out that each _ism offers something useful without any of them being complete or stand alone in their own right (2007).

            My personal learning process is different as an adult learner.  As a child and also as an adult, I process information visually before I develop understanding.  Videos are a useful tool, which was very helpful throughout this course, or graphic organizers, that lend a hand in the process of learning.  What I didn’t realize and I made a connection through this course is as an adult learner I tend to reflect more on learning and I am more self reliant and self directed towards reaching goals (Cercone, p.143).   Cercone discussed a term andragogy which means adults direct their own learning and are more independent and self reliant.  When I take these online courses I always reflect on what I am learning and apply it to what I will be doing in the future.  I have more responsibilities and more at stake now as an adult learner, which therefore I spend more time processing information and apply it to my life than I ever did as a young learner.

            Throughout this course I learned that through the different learning theories, educational technology applications are used to complement different learning styles.  Social constructivism displays this by constructing knowledge through social interactions and personal experiences.  Each person brings previous experiences and socially interacts with others to a learning situation.  With the use of blogs, online discussion boards, Facebook, and cell phones, learners are able to socially interact with others and process information in a constructivist way. 

           Motivation is also a key component in the learning process as well.  According to the ARCS model there are four dimensions of motivation that drives students to learn successfully and they are: A-attention, R-relevance, C-confidence, S-satisfaction (Keller, 1999).  Learners need to have a connection with the material, be interested in what they are learning and have the confidence that he or she can succeed at learning the new material.  I notice these dimensions as I learn new concepts and as I teach new material to my students.  These are very important and determine if the learner will be successful or not.

This class has provided a good foundation for me as an instructor.  It has given me the resources to use and apply in my classroom with my students.  I have gained a deeper level of understanding about the learning process and how to develop instruction that is effective for every learner.  Developing an understanding of the different learning theories, applying it to educational technology and combing student motivation I think are all the key ingredients to valuable instruction.  This class not only created a solid teacher, but it will help me design useful curriculum as an instructional designer.  It will help me determine what material is appropriate and most successful for each learner.

           In conclusion, Learning Theories and Instruction has provided awareness about the different learning theories.  Now that I have learned about these different theories, I am able to use them and effectively help learners in a more successful way.  In turn, as an Instructional Designer, this class has given me the foundation that will provide instruction that is beneficial to everyone.

References:

Cercone, K. (2008). Characteristics of adult learners with implications for online learning design. AACE Journal, 16(2), 137–159. Retrieved from http://www.editlib.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Reader.ViewAbstract&paper_id=24286

Ertmer, P. A., & Newby, T. J. (1993). Behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism: Comparing critical features from an instructional design perspective. Performance Improvement Quarterly, 6(4), 50–71.

Keller, J. M. (1999). Using the ARCS motivational process in computer-based instruction and distance education. New Directions for Teaching and Learning (78).

Kerr, B (2007). Blog by Bill Kerr. Retrieved September 21, 2011, from http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2007/01/isms-as-filter-not-blinker.html

Paige, Ronald (2011, September 23).  [Discussion group comment].  Cognitivism and behaviorism. http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=5693693&Survey=1&47=9626609&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=1&bhcp=1

Fitting the Pieces Together

As I look back to week one of Learning Theories and Instruction, I realized how my thinking has changed about the different learning styles and the way I learn.  The first week we were asked to evaluate our own learning styles and what learning theories were linked to the way we learn.  I discussed how cognitive learning is the most effective learning for me as well as when I teach new content to my students.  As the course progressed and I learned about all the various learning styles, I would have to say my mind has changed about how I learn and other people learn as well.  This class gave me a deeper level of understanding of the learning process that everyone goes through when learning new information.  There are factors that impact the process of a learner such as social interaction, previous experiences, and a person’s environment.  The different learning theories clearly stated the different roles of the learner and how there are so many different ways that people process information.  It was insightful to learn how each learning theory plays a very important role in the learning process.  When designing instruction, it’s very important to examine each learning theory.  There is no one theory that fits all learners and that each person is different in the way the process information.  Behaviorism, cognitivsm, constructivism, social learning and adult learning can be utilized depending on what type of training you’re facilitating and who you are instructing.

This course has provided the foundation and framework to successfully design instruction.  The assignment that stood out the most for me and I think will make a big impact on instructional design is the mind map project.  I realized how much learning is connected to my entire network.  Connectivism is an emerging perspective on learning and I look forward to using this type of learning to enhance instruction.  Furthermore, as an adult learner the theories I connect most with is constructivism, connectivism, and social learning.   Enrolling into this master’s program, I was a little hesitant with the demands of the online assignments as well as the interaction among other students.  As I said before I am a social learner and in the beginning I thought it would be difficult to discuss and participate in constructing knowledge through online classes.  What I have gained from this course as well as my previous course is more social interaction between other students with these online classes than what a traditional classroom would provide.  I have gained a deeper level of understanding from discussing topics and responding to posts than I have when I sat in a classroom and received a standard lecture.

A social environment enhances the way someone learns by providing new perspectives.  “Meaningful learning occurs when individuals are engaged in social activities“(Kim, 2001).  I really relate to this theory because this helps me gain more knowledge in my Zone of Proximal Development.  According to Vygotsky we learn at two different levels.  One level is the cultural environment.  When we interact with others, it helps us complete a range of activities that are difficult, but not impossible to complete (Laureatte Education, 2011).  Whereas connectivism is when learning and knowledge rest in diversity of opinions and having the ability to see connections between fields, ideas, and concepts when learning occurs (Davis, C., Edmunds, E., & Kelly-Bateman, V. (2008).  These theories definitely have played an important role in discussions and online learning.

Technology is an essential component in the way that I learn.  Technology has advanced to different levels in the past 10 years.  I remember logging onto the internet for the first time 10 years ago and had no idea of how to use it properly.  Today I use it for just about everything in my career and in school.  I use Google to search for certain topics and information that helps me enhance my lesson plans as well as understand the different theories of learning.  I also found blogging to be of interest when I started to use it for this class.  Instead of writing thoughts and opinions about certain subjects on paper, I find it more useful to type in that information and to connect with other people who are discussing the same topics. 

References:

Davis, C., Edmunds, E., & Kelly-Bateman, V. (2008). Connectivism. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Connectivism

Kim, B. (2001). Social Constructivism in M. Orey (Ed.). Retrieved October 23, 2011, from Emerging Perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology: http://www.projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2009). Theory of Social Cognitive Development . [DVD].

Connectivism

My network connections such as: blogs, online discussions, social networking, and research databases has changed the way that I learn in several ways. I utilize the online discussion posts to create a deeper level of understanding and reflect on what I am learning (Cercone, 2006). As an adult learner I have to manage my time to create a balance between my career, school and personal life. According to Cercone (2006) "adult learners are autonomous, independent self reliant and self directed towards goals "(p.143). So I rely on research databases through Walden University, students responses on discussion boards, blogs and the internet to help understand the different concepts in class. These tools help facilitate my learning as an adult learner.
　
The tools that best facilitate learning for me would be the internet, search engines, and blogs. I never used the internet until I got into college. My parents didn’t have a computer at home when I was in high school in the 1990’s. So when I entered college I started to really utilize the internet. I remember asking a computer technician how to log onto the internet and how to use the search engines. As I started to use the computer and the internet more often, I gained more knowledge about certain concepts through many of the search engines. One search engine that I use on a regular basis is Google. I search for resources for my lessons and for assignments for my online classes. I also utilize many of the websites for planning and instructing such as, proteacher, edhelper, NEA and Illuminations. The research databases and the online library through Walden University has been very convenient for me. I no longer have to go to the public library to access information about a certain topic, I can access these materials from the comforts of my home.


When I have questions about certain topics or new information that I am learning about I usually use the internet to research some of these topics. When developing new knowledge I tend to use the social constructivist way. According to Ormrod, Schunk and Gredler (2009) they stated, “social constructivists view the classroom as a community whose task is to develop knowledge” (p. 19). As an adult learner I try and construct knowledge through the course materials as well as from other students in the class. If I don’t understand something and I have a question about what we are learning in class, I use the online discussions to help me develop a better understating of a concept. If I have read through the assigned readings and I really cannot connect my prior knowledge to the new information I read other students posts to try and gain a new perspective and hopefully I am enlightened by their understating of the assignment.
The main principles of connectivism are

• Learning and knowledge rest in diversity of opinions.
• Learning is a process of connecting specialized nodes of information sources.
• Nurturing and maintaining connections is needed to facilitate continual learning.
• The ability to see connection between fields, ideas, and concepts is a core skill.
• Currency is the intent of all connectivist learning activities.

I believe that I can argue that my map supports all of these principles of connectivism, I believe learning is a process of connecting information through these different networks. It’s up to the learner to make a connection between these fields and ideas. I try and make these connections through these fields and ideas so that I continually acquire new information and maintain the important information.

References:
Cercone, K. (2006). Characteristics of adult learners with implications for online learning design, AACE Journal 16(2), 137-159.
Davis, C., Edmunds, E., & Kelly-Bateman, V. (2008). Connectivism. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from :http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Connectivism
Ormrod, J., Schunk, D., & Gredler, M. (2009). Learning theories and instruction (Laureate custom edition). New York: Pearson.

Connectivism-Mind Map