Fitting the Pieces Together

After gaining a deeper understanding of the different learning theories and learning styles, I have changed my view of learning.  My post original post was “Piaget’s cognitive theory best describes the way I learn.  Piaget’s cognitive theory addresses the issues of how information is receive, organized, stored, and retrieved by the mind’ (Ertmer & Newby, 1993).  My learning style was reflective and verbal according to a learning style questionnaire that I took on the website http://www.engr.ncsu.edu/learningstyles/ilsweb.html.  I was so naïve to think that a person had one learning style and only one learning theory applied to me.  Learning styles theory indicates that people have different approached to learning and studying.  Learning styles may fluctuate within the context of a course from concept to concept, or lesson to lesson (Gilber & Swainer, 2008).

The learning theories that describe me now are adult learning theory and connectivism learning theory.  Adult learning principles states that adult are most interested in learning about subjects that have immediate relevance to their job or personal life and adult learning is problem-centered rather than content-oriented.  As an adult learner, I bring along a briefcase that affect my learning.  The briefcase includes life and work experience, time between learning interactions, and previous adult learning experiences (Conlan, Grawboski, & Smith, 2003).  Dr. Omrod refers to learning strategies instead of learning styles.  Some of the learning strategies that I use are elaboration and comprehension monitoring (2009).

Connectivism is that nature of abundant information, of primary use of technology, the increasingly complex systemic-based environments that we face today. (Siemens, 2004).  I use the personal web to tag, categorize, publish work online, retrieve information, and collaborate with others.  Some personal web tools that I use are Delicious, Youtube, and blogging sites. (Horizon Report, 2009).  I use discussion boards to draw conclusions, retrieve information, record information (Lin, 2004).  I use mobile technology to send, to retrieve, and to record information (Horizon Report).  I also use cloud technology like Google Apps to collaborate with others and to store and retrieve information.

Conlan, J., Grabowski, S., & Smith, K. (2003). Adult learning. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Adult_Learning

Gilbert, J., & Swanier, C. (2008). Learning styles: How do they fluctuate? Institute for Learning Styles Journal [Vol. l]. Retrieved from http://www.auburn.edu/~witteje/ilsrj/Journal%20Volumes/Fall%202008%20Volume%201%20PDFs/Learning%20Styles%20How%20do%20They%20Fluctuate.pdf

Johnson, L., Levine, A., & Smith, R. (2009). The Horizon Report (2009 ed.). Austin, TX: The New Media Consortium. Retrieved from http://wp.nmc.org/horizon2009/

Lim, C. P. (2004). Engaging learners in online learning environments. TechTrends: Linking Research and Practice to Improve Learning, 48(4), 16–23.

Omrod, J. Learning Styles and Strategies. [Video Production]. Laureate Education, Inc.

CONNECTIVISM

 

LEARNING MIND MAP

 

Adult learning consists of four different lenses for viewing learning processes.

1. Learning as acquisition lens understands knowledge as a substantive thing that an individual obtains through learning experiences.
2. Learn as reflection is a lens focusing on learners as active constructors of knowledge, creating new meanings and realities rather than ingesting pre-existing knowledge.
3. Practical-based community lens of learning focuses more on people’s ability to participate meaningfully in everyday activities within particular communities of practice than on their mental meanings.
4. Learning as embodied co-emergent process challenges people-centred notions to portray learning as emerging in the relationships that develop among all people and everything in a particular situation.  Foley, G. (Ed.). (2004).

 

I never teach my pupils; I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn. – Albert Einstein.  As I reflect on my learning as adult, I found this quote to be relevant today for teachers, instructors, and designers.  As an adult learner, I bring in many briefcases.  The briefcases include life experience, work experience, and prior adult learning experiences ( Colan, Grabowski, & Smith, 2003).  Adult educators have many students with different briefcases.  The educators can only provide the conditions for the pupil to learn.  It is up to the pupil to realize what the conditions are and accept them.

“Connectivism presents a model of learning that acknowledges the tectonic shifts in society where learning is no longer an internal, individualistic activity. How people work and function is altered when new tools are utilized.  Connectivism provides insight into learning skills and tasks needed for learners to flourish in a digital era” (Siemens, 2004). My personal learning network supports the central tenets of connectivism. Education has changed over the past 20 years due to improvements in technology.  Education has changed from textbooks and lecture to social media and podcasts.  At one time, all of the information was provided to me by the instructor now I must find the information myself.  I learn from a variety of settings.   I learn from my students by observation and class discussions.  I learn from my peers through blogging and LinkedIn.  I learn by taking continuing education courses and professional development workshops.  I also subscribe to newsletters, complete tutorials, and watch webinars.

The least of the work of learning is done in the classroom.
Thomas Merton
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/learning_2.html#ixzz1fdFTQFFR

Conlan, J., Grabowski, S., & Smith, K. (2003). Adult learning. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Adult_Learning

Foley, G. (Ed.). (2004). Understanding Adult Learners. Fenwick, T. & Tennant, M. Dimensions of adult learning: Adult education and training in a global era (p 55-73). Berkshire, McGraw-Hill Education. Retrieved from http://site.ebrary.com/lib/waldenu/Doc?id=10161341

Siemens, G. (2004, December 12). Connectivism: A Learning Theory for the Digital Age. Retrieved December 04, 2011, from www.elearnspace.org: http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/connectivism.htm

 

 

Learning Theories

Greetings,

I am a graduate student at Walden University.  I’m currently taking EDUC 6115 which is Learning, Theories, and Instruction.   Our topics for the week are the brain and learning, information processing theory, and problem-solving methods during the learning process.  These topics deal with brain research.  Brain research can help us define our theories of learning and cognition.  According to Ormond (2009), “As psychologists refine their theories on learning and cognition, they can get a better handle on the kinds of instructional methods and therapeutic intervention that are most like to foster effective learning and behavior ” (p. 46).

Below are two resources that can be helpful in understanding learning theories.

http://www.instructionaldesign.org/index.html-  Richard Culatta is the host of the website.

It is a website that provides information on most learning theories.  The theories range from constructivist theory to multiple intelligence theory.  The site provides an overview of the theory, scope or application of theory, examples, and principles of the theory.  Some of the examples may be videos.  If a person is interested in more information, Mr. Culatta has provided a link to other websites for some learning theories.  If another theory is mentioned in the overview of another theory, a hyperlink is provided so one can find out information on the theory mentioned.

Journal of Educational Psychology-  It is published by the American Psychological  Association (APA).  It is convenient because it is located in Walden Database.  It provides several articles on brain and learning and information processing theory.  It also contains a feed where one can subscribe if they want to stay receive current information in the field of educational psychology.

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

Instructional Design Blog Suggestions

This blog is for anyone interested in the field of Instructional Design.  It is created by a graduate student enrolled in an instructional design course.  The blog will contain information on instructional design models, action mapping, and instructional design strategies and tips.  The blog will provide links to resources such as articles, presentations, websites, and other blogs.  Feel free to comment and offer suggestions. 

Below are 3 blogs and overview of some blogs that I think will be useful in the field on instructional technology.

  http://bdld.blogspot.com/   – Big Dog, Lil Dog blog

It is created by Donald (Don) Clark.  It is learning and performance blog.  The site contains concepts, strategies, tools and techniques on improving individual’s learning and performance.  The site contains a link to David’s website.  The website contains articles and information on leadership, training, learning, and performance.  It can be used in the business and educational industries.  Instructional Designers can use this site gather information on instructional design models, transformational leadership, and mapping performances. 

 http://christytucker.wordpress.com/ 

It is a blog site by Christy Tucker.  Christy Tucker is a free lance instructional designer who just started her own business, Syniad Learning in August, 2011.  Christy provides an overview of the instructional designer job.  She defines the career, identifies skills needed, and offer techniques to use in the career.  It is a great site for graduate students interested in becoming an instructional designer and designers that are new in the field.  The site will answer most questions to let you know if this is the career for you.  Christy provides bookmarks that include schools that offer the instructional courses and resources to use in the field. 

 http://blog.cathy-moore.com/- let’s Save the World from Boring Elearning

It is a site by Cathy Moore.  Cathy has 28 years of experience in providing advice, designs, and train-the-trainer materials for major U. S. businesses.  This site contains information on instructional designs, and scenario designs such as creating mini-scenarios.  Cathy also contains recorded workshops and videos.  Some of the recordings are on scenarios, action mapping, and mistakes that an instructional designer makes.  Cathy also provides samples of interactive graphics, simulations, and other materials from many different sources.