My Learning Journey in Review

As my knowledge of learning theories and styles has grown I can now put names to how I learn and the techniques I have observed to work with my students.  Each week I gained a greater understanding of how to recognize my own learning and teaching styles which in turn assists me to recognize the learning styles and requirements of my students.

As I reviewed the last six weeks of learning I see an interesting pattern in my expansion of learning.  Although I consistently utilize my own experiences and perspectives to analyze the presented information, I saw a pattern of transformation of my thinking from self to general education to specific youth students to adult learners.  In addition, I observed how I was able to infuse technology into each of my thinking stages.

The major conclusions I have come to include but are not limited to:

• ·         As a scientist I do believe that we are born with certain parts required for learning and these can differ from person to person but I also recognize the impact culture and environment have on the learning process as well. 

• ·         I strongly believe that knowledge of the brain and learning is critical to creating curriculum and learning environments. 

• ·         By achieving a balance between different learning theories and strategies more students will receive the opportunity to learn in an optimal learning environment.  I believe that by presenting the information in these different forms to all students/learners they will be able to select the best way for them to remember and apply the information.

• ·         As with youth learners, I believe that all types of learning experiences can be created for adults in an online environment, with some creativity from the instructor.  As Fenwick and Tennant expressed, “The answer of course is that there is no one best way to understand learning, just as learners and educators are each very different and constantly changing.”

• ·         Social Constructivism along with Connectivism allows students to be active participants in their learning (Kim 2010) and “transform their experiences based on their knowledge and characteristics.” (Ormrod 2009)  I strongly agree with the theory that social interactions effect and enhance the learning process.  As said in Learning Theories and Instruction (p.184), “Constructivist accounts of learning and development highlight the contributions of individuals to what is learned.”

Connectivism Reflection

While learning about connectivism I began to analyze my own learning connections and how I utilize technology to accomplish my learning goals.  I realized that each of my learning connections had a range of areas that opened me to new knowledge and in turn gave me a way to share my new knowledge with others.  As I prepare to go into the field of Instructional Design I will need to be able to identify and capitalize on the learning connections others display and I must then be able to attach learning resources to those connections to advance learning.  

In analyzing my own learning connections I saw that I have three main areas of learning: experiences, mentors and mistakes.  From these main areas each, expect mistakes, has different, deeper connections to my memory and how I learn.  I then went the extra step and associated the types of technology (in pink on my mind map) that are associated with each of my learning connections.  This activity helped me be aware that there are technology options available for every learning connection and every learning style.

Connectivism opens many doors to resources, techniques and strategies that can be utilized with both youth and adult learners or as Prensky named the “digital immigrants” and the digital natives.”  Connectivism will help me as an instructional designer recognize learning connections and the relevant technology that can enhance learning for students.

I am looking forward to beginning to utilize connectivism and technological advances in my career.

Connectivism