Fitting the pieces together December 28, 2009

I have learned so much over the past 8 weeks about all of the learning theories that it has really made me take a different approach as it applies to the way that I learn. Earlier in the course we had to write about which learning theory best applied to the way that we learn and I really connected with the cognitive learning theory because I am more of  a hands on learner one that needs to touch, see, listen and read information to process information correctly. I noticed that as I studied the learning theories I found other theories that I also could relate to such as the connectivist and adult learning theory. I have a real interest for technology and social net-working and the connectivist theory had attributes that really fit my learning style. It was really interesting to learn about the adult learning theory because as an online learner I feel that I acquire information best through self-directed learning and practical information that can be applied to my work. The behaviorist learning theory had some interesting attributes but I didn’t find a direct connection as it applied to my learning style. The behaviorist theory is based on observation and stimulus response where as I learn best through direct connection. The social learning theory had also interesting attributes but as it applies to my learning style I only found that the social aspect of the theory was in direct correlation with how I learn. It was not until I started taking online courses that I really saw how working collaboratively in a social setting really helped me in understanding the content of the course.

Since I started taking online classes over four years ago I find that I am even more interested in technology and have even gotten better with using different applications. I think that working for a higher education company dedicated in keeping current with technological advances has also been of great benefit for me as a student and professionally. I use technology at work by way of the internet by researching, emailing and using different computer applications.

December 15, 2009

Connectivism December 9, 2009

Online learning has definitely made a significant impact on the way that I learn and how I go about seeking information. Before taking online classes I never really used the internet except to check emails and to pay my bills online. It wasn’t until I started taking courses online that I found a whole new world of information and a social community that I didn’t even know existed. I have learned so much about myself that it has really helped me grow as a working professional and as a student. I use facebook to keep in touch with family and friends and linked-in as a professional resource as well.

I love technology and that is one of the many reasons why I choose a Masters in Instructional Design and Technology. Any new tech type gadgets you can be sure that I either have it or will have it in the near future. My iphone is really important to me because it allows me to download podcasts and applications needed for school. Whenever I have a question on a particular topic I love using google, metacrawler and ask jeeves as my search engines. I also have signed up with different blog sites to find out more information on my current profession in education and also to keep up with current news and the world around me. Connectivism known as the learning theory for the digital age has really made an impact on the way that I learn. It was at an early age that the traditional way of learning was just not for me it was not until I took my first online course that I new I would finally have the opportunity to learn effectively. The ability to express myself through meaningful discussions with colleagues and learning from them and my instructor is just one of the many ways that connectivism has made a significant impact in my life.