Reflection of the Exploration

Before becoming enlightened in-depth of various learning theories, I never really analyzed learning on this level. The past several weeks have expanded my knowledge of how we learn. Looking back over all the theories, it is my opinion “today” that cognitivism and behaviorism are at the root of the other learning theories, yet these theories are on each side of the learning spectrum. Becoming grounded on the different ways learning occurs will improve my overall instruction methods and techniques.

Metacognition “thinking about thinking” has deepened my understanding of how I learn. What is my strategy or plan for learning a skill or acquiring knowledge? Metacognitive activities provide a means for keeping in-check of own learning process. The reflection process is great for employing this strategy or technique. As designers of instruction can we incorporate these activities effectively and encourage our learners to partake in these metacognitive tasks? If learners are aware of their own learning and incorporate a self-evaluative activity; learning can be more effective.

Connectivism has been the most intriguing theory for me. It seems to have developed almost as a reaction to technology. Information is so abundant and simply at our finger tips. There appears to be a shift from learning facts and remembering them for later applications to a mode of digital retrieval of updated information and facts. Skills in staying current amongst new discoveries, events, and information will need to be incorporated in early education. How do we locate or research information as opposed to memorizing facts?

Technology has provided the opportunity to immerse learners in the experience through simulations. When allowing the learner to create their meaning while guiding the experience, learners can witness the applications of skills or knowledge in practice. Traditional learning settings are incorporating many of these technologies and the strategies can use for all levels of learning.

I am so excited to be a part of instructional design; I feel the proper use of technology will enhance learning for ages. Although technology is exciting, it is important for the designer to understand learning theories and learning styles and not get lost in the flashy “whistles and bells.” The last few weeks exploring how the new ways technology will and can be integrated into learning curriculum is amazing. Society as a whole is entering the digital age and we are all sort of learning on the way, therefore I believe it is imperative to begin teaching digital strategies to our youngest learners.

Formal instruction is new to me, as I have been teaching in a classroom setting for less than a year now, although I try to teach my children daily and provide patient education to clients in my profession. When I think about the design of instruction, I realize the importance of having a plan or framework to deliver the material. Stating clear objectives, I feel is a vital part in the design; because they set the tone and keep the designer on track. Did I clearly cover the objectives in the design? Presentation of material from various angles can be incorporated to appeal to the various learning styles individuals have.

In an online environment it is important to encourage connections within the environment. Often people think that online in so impersonal, however interactive discussion can often be livelier through the computer than in a face to face setting. I see an advantage of embedding hyperlinks from authoritative sources to keep current. Often text books have dated information especially in the field of medicine; for example hyperlinks to the CDC can keep the instruction current on the latest strategies for managing infectious disease.

I am looking forward to the next step of my instructional design education and playing with new software programs in order to create “good looking” design. The learning theory knowledge should keep me on track and improve my instruction overall.