Wk7Assgn1FangmanK - Impact of Learning Styles

As I reflect on all of the learning theories discussed in this class and going back to the first week of class, I feel that my learning styles are still the same.  During the first week of school I determined that I used Cognitive, Constructivism, and Behaviorism.  Now that I have discovered more about all learning theories, I think I use all of them to some extent.  Connectivism, Social, and Adult learning as well.  This course has shown me so much more to consider as an educator when teaching my students with multiple intelligences and cultural diversity. 

Social learning is a major part of education and while online courses do offer interaction between students and the instructor, the idea that the online format might not be suitable for high school students surfaced, indicating that social influence and networking is more important to this age group than adult learners. Considering the stages of growth and development, I can see where this would be a factor.  According to Ormrod, Schunk and Gredler, (2009), the role that social contact plays in learning is vital. 

As I continue to grow with my own education in Instructional Design & Technology, I realize that technology is and will continue to be a major part of my instruction as a teacher.  When searching for resources and material pertaining to my subject matter I always surf the internet to enhance my lesson plans.  Technology is growing at such a fast pace, the future for our students is unlimited.

References

Ormrod, J., Schunk, D., & Gredler, M. (2009). Learning Theories and Instruction (Laureate). New York: Pearson

Week 5 Reflection

Week 5 introduced us to connectivism and adult learning. Adults are for the most part self-directed and intrinsically motivated to learn and further their education. A mind map of our personal learning network was required to be compared to connectivism. In past classes I have brainstormed and created hierarchy of needs and organizational charts, but the mind map was a new experience for me. 

According to Siemens, (2005), connectivism, is described as “new information is continually being acquired and the ability to draw distinctions between important and unimportant information is vital. Also critical is the ability to recognize when new information alters the landscape based on decisions made yesterday” (Siemens, 2005).  My personal learning network made it apparent that as Siemens, (2005) stated connectivism includes the principles that “learning and knowledge rest in a diversity of opinions” and “nurturing and maintaining connections is needed to facilitate continual learning”.

As our assignments this week reflected on the resources for adult learning, is becomes apparent that the adult learner has much experience to draw upon and that network expands with each link the adult learner comes in contact with. Siemens, (2005) states that “learning is a process of connecting specialized nodes or information sources” and that “learning may reside in non-human appliances”.  As technology becomes more a part of our lives, the ability to connect or link with others is much easier.  I use Google daily and bookmark blogs, journals, and specific articles to enhance my learning and connect me with whatever I may need.

Reference

Siemens, G. (2005, January). Connectivism: A learning theory for the digital age. International Journal of Instructional Technology & Distance Learning, Retrieved November 30, 2012, from http://www.itdl.org/Journal/Jan_05/article01.htm

"Connectivism"