Learning Theories and Instruction Reflection

Reflection

I love to learn new things. But through this course I now have a deeper understanding of how I learned and why some things are more interesting to me then others. In the beginning of this lesson I was interest in learning how the brain process information. In our week two discussion we talk about the brain and how it process information. We also mention that that different factors can alter out brain function and cause it to sometimes missed process information. I have never really given that a thought until then.

I had once studied Gardner’s Multiple Intelligent theory but had never taken a look at the learning theory matrix (behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, and connectivism). I really believe in the fact that every child can learn just not all in the same way. But I had only view this concept through the eyes of Gardner. Studying the learning theory matrix and all of it concepts was by far the most surprising and informative piece of material in this course.

I had always pride myself on being visual learning. As I mention in earlier discussion I have gained a deeper understanding about the various learning theories and styles during the course of this class. I fell in love with Gardner’s Multiple Intelligent theory a couple of years earlier but through this course I have a deeper and better understanding of the different learning styles. I believe that all children can learn but not all in the same way and on the same day. I’ve taken learning inventory and knew that I was not a visual learner but had other learning intelligent as well. With the help of this course I now know that learning is done through progression and development differently at different stages of life. This was equally evident in Bill Kerr’s blog on _isms.  Kerr wrote “It seems to me that each _ism is offering something useful without any of them being complete or stand alone in their own right” (Kerr, 2007). In a sense we need to incorporate all the learning theories together in order to completely get an value and sound education.

Kerr, B. (2007, January 01). [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2007/01/isms-as-filter-not-blinker.html

Learning Theory Reflection

Now that you have a deeper understanding of the different learning theories and learning styles, how has your view on how you learn changed?

At first glance, it was a little difficult identifying with some of the learning theories. In week one of this assignment, I felt overwhelmed and to be honest, confused. I have never really took the time to become familiar with the different learning theories until now. At week seven, I have a much better understanding of the theories and how that have shaped my learning. My view on learning has changed because I can now see that I have went through varies learning theories and styles.

What have you learned about the various learning styles over the past few weeks that can further explain your own personal learning preference?

Over the past week I've learn that I have been a constructionist in my learning style for most of my life. I have been one of those individuals who looks for additional help from online blogs, chat rooms, and online reference resources to gather a bit more of knowledgeable guidance.  I feel the use of online resources will provide me a great tool to gather further assistance about a challenging topic or activity. Lately, I believed my learning theory or learning style has changed to adult learning. With the stress of everyday life, the ability to self-direct and pace my learning is importance.

What role does technology play in your learning?

Technology has played a major role in my learning. I use technology not only in my classroom with my students but also in my learning.  I use video tutorial to get a better understanding of a lot of software programs. I also love using my iPad for reading and virtually everything else.

I have also used technology to teach my students. I have created narrated video with iMovie and narrated PowerPoint presentation. I have used blog and classroom websites for announcement and discussions.  

Connectivism and Personal Learning Network Reflection

Learning independently has not always been my strong point. But as the years have gone by it has become an essential element in my daily living. I always had the knack of reading directions or instruction or always wanted to look something up for better understanding. Today’s networks have made it easy for to find the information I need. Information today is right at my fingertip. There are no time boundaries on learning. Information is assessable 24/7.

Online course has afforded me an awesome opportunity for learning. I value the flexibility and independence to learning at my own pace. Participating in course online gives me the ability to work full-time and be a wife and mom. I am allow to have a life and at the same time earn my degree and certification. Lynda and other video tutorials are also a help.

My knowledge based information is gained in a variety of ways. Depending on the information I am trying to gain. In the past I have used podcast, video tutorial, blogs, classmates and colleagues to help gain knowledge. Sometimes it may have to be by trial and error or experience.

I think I am gaining great skills and knowledge from my personal learning network (PLN). I have benefited from my PLN tremendous ways. Up until this point I would not have known to call the resources I learn from a PLN. I was not familiar with the learning theory connectivism. If anything I have expand my knowledge of PLN.

Social Networking Sites and Personal Network

Evaluating and Identifying Online Resources

Education.com

By Richard Mayer | Merlin Wittrock

Updated on Dec 23, 2009

Problem-solving and problem based learning can be used not only in the classroom but can be used on-the job as well. Some resources identifying problem-solving skills and methods is very important and essential to life.

Mayer, Richard and Wittrock, Merlin. “Problem-solving.” Education.com. Retrieved 19 January 2014 from http://www.education.com/reference/article/problem-solving1/

Scholastic

By Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D.

Knowing how the brain work and learn can help teachers better plan and prepare lessons for their learners. This sites helps to identify activities that are conducive to learning.

Perry, Bruce D. “How the Brain Learn Best.”  Scholastic. Retrieved 19 January 2014 from http://www.scholastic.com/home/

E-Learning: Gettng Started!

Looking through the blogs from one of my ID sites and I became very interest with the blog on the Flirting w/ elearning site.

Read the full article: The Top 3 Types of E-Learning Analysis

I really think the author Nicole L. hit the nail on the head with this blog. She identified the  top three types of E-Learning Analysis. The first type of analysis is a needs analysis, we must identify what the need is or if there is a need in the first place. The second type of analysis is an audience analysis, we must also know our audience, their demographic, their experience and knowledge levels and more. The third type of analysis is a task analysis we must break down the task to ensure some level of success for your learners.

Instructional Design Blogs for Week 1

Hello, this is Tonneche Brown. I am excited to be blogging on the current topic of Instructional Design. I look at several sites that I believe with be a helpful resources for me as I complete this journey and even beyond. Below are the three sites I found to be the more exciting and interesting to me.

Cammy Bean’s Learning Visions - Cammy Bean lends her 15 years of experience with instructional design to this blog. She has links to many instructional design resources, as well as information for those just getting started on the road to an instructional design degree. I love the great many resources that Cammy has on her blog.

http://cammybean.kineo.com/

Flirting w/ eLearning – This blog is maintained by Nicole Legault, a fairly recent graduate with an Instructional Design degree. She outlines her experiences with instructional design and is a great resource for beginners and recent graduates who want to get a feel for the field. This blog sites has a lot of information on social media and that can be very helpful to me in the future as an ID.

http://flirtingwelearning.wordpress.com/

Upside Learning Blog - This is a good blog for those new to instructional design or just curious about the subject. Material is presented for students, recent graduates, and rookies to the field. It also contains links to other informative blog. I believe that this sites will be very helpful for me in the beginning. It’s easy to read and understand.

http://www.upsidelearning.com/blog/