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.