A Reflection on the Course

My knowledge of learning theories has deepened significantly throughout the course. Prior to this, my knowledge of the learning process was limited to my experiences as a student and what I learned through my profession. In reflecting upon the course, there were several aspects about how people learn that I found most surprising: the variety of theories, the learning environment, and the modes of deliver. The most surprising aspect related to the variances between the learning theories and their stance on instruction. While each of the theories could be used to explain the process of learning, in a broad sense, they were not all applicable to learners in all situations. From my perspective, learning instruction needs to be flexible and blend the different aspects of these theories together. A more effective form of learning instruction will result. Enhancing this instruction, further with different types of technology also broadens the effectiveness of the learning experience. Another surprising aspect relates to the environments in which people prefer to learn. These environments vary from person to person and are influenced by the goals, interests, and lifestyles of the learner. While some learners are preferential to online learning others may have difficulty in converting and still prefer face to face. Another surprising aspect of how people learn relates to the mode of deliver. Learners respond better to instruction when it is presented in a format they are comfortable with and can relate to either as a result of their personal or professional experiences. Additionally, learners will have an increased sense of motivation when their interest in their learning content is high. I am flexible when it comes to learning and find that I can adapt to a variety of instruction presentations and forms of technology.

How I learn has changed significantly over the years in direct relationship to my learning needs, environment, advances in technology, and my professional and personal interests. While the meaning I derive from what I am learning is still impacted by my perceptions and experiences, how I acquire that learning has changed significantly. The advent of online learning and the increased use of visual and auditory tools in training and learning programs has improved the process within which I learn.

A learner’s motivation to acquire knowledge increases when the learning instruction they are using is to their preference. Designing effective learning instruction requires an understanding of the connections between the different types of learning theories, styles, and available technologies. While it is difficult to determine which learning theories will suit a learner best, it is important to choose modes of delivery that will effectively convey the learning instruction (i.e. visual, auditory, and kinesthetic). Theories give context to the learning process and a perspective within which effective instruction can be designed. Since the process of learning is complex and involves a deep understanding of a learner needs, it is essential to know those needs and consider them when developing instruction. Technology reduces the complexity of the learning process by providing a flexible medium (i.e. online learning) and avenue for learners to construct their own knowledge and meaning.

Meeting the needs of learners and designing effective instruction involves a deep understanding of the relationships between learning theories, technology, and the process of learning. Since the process of learning is complex, knowing what motivates learners and the types of environments available for learning will assist me in developing quality instruction. Having a deeper understanding of my own learning process also gives me greater insight into the expectations of learners when participating in a program. In designing instruction, I can apply the knowledge I have gained in this course to facilitate the most effective forms of learning. Additionally, I can create more insightful instruction that “promotes more effective cognitive processing and learning over the long run.” (Ormrod, Schunk, Gredler, 2009).

References:

Ormrod, J., Schunk, D., & Gredler, M. (2009). Learning theories and instruction (Laureate custom edition). New York: Pearson.

How I learn

This week's blog will focus on my thoughts about learning after studying several new theories.

Broadening my understanding of the theories and styles of learning has changed my view on how I learn. While much of my previous discussion focused on the behavioral and cognitive theories of learning, it was limited in context. My view left out the underlying concepts of the connectivism, adult learning, and social learning theories, which are also part of the process. A blended approach, that includes aspects of all these theories, therefore is more representative of how I learn. The active participation in my learning process now encompasses that which is done via technology as well as through traditional means. In my professional life, collaborative and group learning are a popular form of learning. As an adult learner, the way I incorporate learning into my professional and personal life significantly influences how I learn as well. Technology has increased the flexibility, frequency, and availability of my learning and the options that I have to learn. My learning process now includes online learning programs. Since much of my original learning occurred in traditional face to face institutions, there was little technology for me to use in making connections. The advent of the internet has expanded the connections and meanings I can derive from my experiences. This view of leaning aligns directly, with the concepts of connectivism where much of the learning occurs through communities of networks via technology. Additionally, technology has increase the availability and types of tools I have for learning. Research is easier and broader and communication can be done via social networks over the internet. Learning materials now include a fusion of multi-media, videos, and podcasts that were generally limited in the learning process before.


In reviewing the various learning theories, I have developed a greater understanding of the learning process. Learning is unique and a process that varies by individual. The number of ways an individual can effectively learn has grown with the advent of the internet and technology. With the various options and forms of learning available, the boundaries I have for learning have been removed. My learning process now varies greatly and in direct response to both my personal and professional needs. After studying the additional theories I now understand that the meanings I derive from individual learning will differ from those developed in a collaborative, group, or social setting. While all forms of leaning are affective, they each bring out a different result. Technology enhances the learning process by improving the connections to the material and communications between learners.

My learning preferences are flexible and generally vary by content and need. Technology has certainly improved how I learn and my preferences in learning. Learning is an active process for me that involves the use of collaborative networks where the acquisition of knowledge and creation of meaning results from interactions and reflections on personal experiences. The best type of learning is one that allows me to use my multiple levels of intelligence and draw distinctions and make decisions with the new information being acquired. (Davis, Edmunds, Kelly-Bateman, 2008)


References:

Davis, C., Edmunds, E., & Kelly-Bateman, V. (2008). Connectivism. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology.

Thoughts on My Learning Network

My learning network has increased significantly over the years as my professional and personal interests have grown and expanded. With the advent of the internet and advances in technology the ability for me to learn and develop new knowledge has become easier. Traditional environments and tools are no longer the only option for me as the adult learner. Restrictions in learning due to distance, time, and location are neither a subject of concern or issue anymore. Since the emergence of online learning, I have been able to expand and broaden my learning network even further. The network now includes online communication tools and resources, such as blogs, wiki’s, that were underutilized by me before. Prior to entering an online learning program, my learning tools consisted of online programs, industry research tools, traditional learning materials, and general internet resources. While these are all useful in their own way, they did not entail any synchronous or asynchronous communication over the internet or current digital tools. As learning tools go, online discussion strings and applications are useful in broadening my understanding of the learning materials. The broadening of my learning network has significantly improved the way I learn as well. Online learning, depending on the format, presents information in a timelier manner. In contrast to traditional learning environments, online formats allow for an instantaneous feed of information. In this sense, the information I am receiving is always current. Additionally, the flexibility of online learning provides me greater latitude in when and where I learn.

With all the digital tools available to me, it is difficult to identify one that specifically facilitates my learning process. Each one in there own way enhances my knowledge base and improves my learning. A blended learning format, incorporating a variety of these digital tools and learning environments I believe will work best for me.

While I am always in the process of gaining new knowledge, both professionally and personally, I always consider all my resources when I have a question. Sometimes, knowing which resource to use to answer a question is the most challenging task of all. Within my learning network, I always try to use the most reliable and authoritative sources possible. The source varies in accordance with the area of knowledge; however, I generally tap those in my personal learning network first.

In some respects, my personal learning network does align with components of the Connectivism theory. When formulating a response to a question on an unfamiliar topic, I examine all knowledge resources available. These resources, consisting primarily of electronic and digital communication tools, allow for connections to information held in external databases. The resources generally will vary in direct reflection to the information I am processing. How I assess the information obtained from my personal learning network depends solely on the value I add to the resource itself. The regularity within which these resources update their information is a consideration when assigning value to the underlying data. Many of the resources I use update their databases on a daily and weekly basis to maintain the integrity of the information. While this is not always the case, when researching less volatile topics, such as established theories, it is part of my learning process. Knowing how to effectively use the information from these online resources is also a key aspect in understanding the value the connections within my personal learning network. While much of my network is online, I also include aspects of traditional information resources into my network and process of learning.

Lynn Learning Network

This week I created a mind map of my learning network.