Fitting the Pieces Together

 

Now that you have a deeper understanding of the different learning theories and learning styles,

how has your view on how you learn changed?

Learning is how individuals develop skills and abilities, coping mechanisms for navigating the outside world, and attitudes and values that inform behavior. (Ormrod et al., 2009), At the beginning of this course, I shared that I am a Kinesthetic learner based on my VARK assessment. However, after reading more about learning styles, I am convinced I am a combination of a Visual and Kinesthetic learner. I prefer to see the content I need to learn and have access to interact with the content in different ways. After completing a multiple intelligences test, my strengths were shown to be verbal-linguistic and Intrapersonal. Reading the many articles prescribed by this course is right in line with my preferred way of learning.

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

Malcolm Knowles’ Andragogy theory helped me understand how I learn as an adult. I prefer self-directed learning; my life experiences are a rich resource for my learning, and I am intrinsically motivated to expand my knowledge and skills. Vygotsky’s theory of Social Constructivism highlighted the importance of social interaction and collaboration in the learning process. Orey et al. (2010). Siemen’s theory of Connectivism literally connected the dots for me. It has given me a framework for explaining learning in this age of technology. According to Orey et al. (2010), building networks of people, technology, social structures, and systems is essential; these learning communities can share their ideas, thus increasing learning for all. I learned some trends in learning, such as Informal learning is a significant aspect of our learning experience. Learning can occur in a variety of ways – through communities of practice, personal networks, and through completion of work-related tasks; technology is rewiring our brains; and many of the processes previously handled by learning theories can now be supported by technology. (Siemens, 2005)

What role does technology play in your learning (i.e., as a way to search for information, to record information, to create, etc.)?

Technology plays many roles in my learning. As a master’s student, technology is the LMS through which I receive instruction (Walden Instructure), complete and submit assignments (MS Word, Grammarly), conduct research (internet, Walden Library), and connect and collaborate with colleagues (discussion posts) and my instructor (email). Without technology, completing this degree would be very difficult and much more expensive, as I would have to travel to the US to attend classes.

This course, Learning Theories Instruction, has put the puzzle pieces together for me. I understand my learning style and preferences, my strengths, and how they impact my learning. I have refreshed my knowledge of learning theories and their related instructional strategies. I appreciate all the nuances of being an adult learner and how technology ties the whole process together.

References

Orey, M. (2010). Emerging Perspectives on Learning, Teaching, and Technology. Retrieved July 10, 2023, from https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=14c2555b1d4ec91df6ea0b0ad2a3c48b2697f104Links to an external site.

Ormrod, J., Schunk, D., & Gredler, M. (2009). Learning Theories and Instruction. Vital Source ebook for Laureate Education. Pearson Learning Solutions. Pp. 1-16. https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9781256289302

Siemens, G. (2005). Connectivism: A learning theory for the digital age, International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning, 2(1). http://www.itdl.org/Journal/Jan_05/article01.htm