Reflection- Week 8 Learning Theories and Instruction 6115

What did you find surprising or striking as you furthered your knowledge about how people learn?

The value of technology is unquestionable, yet, the complexity can at times be frustrating. As I finish this course of Learning and Technology I understand the importance of acquiring skills regularly to maintain a place in the “digital mainstream”. Although I may not be a “digital native” and have attended school for many years while maintaining social relationships with personal letter, face to face or via telephone, I realize that technology can enhance learning as well as social communications. Technology has not replaced human existence but has assisted it through the internet, the computer, telecommunications, broadcasting, and television. Political, social, medical, and global communications are in place while expanding “my horizons” of the inner and outer realities.

My focus today is on technology where I find that I am on the other side of the desk (a virtual desk with a use of a computer). The professors do not stand in front of a class and lecture but become a regular part of the students’ daily schedule. We are then directed and guided with instruction that is current to the 21st century learning. The convenience of the internet and the structure of distance learning at Walden University have enabled me to participate in an autonomous classroom along with different professionals and vocational disciplines. My personal perspectives have been expanded to consider new ideas, theories, styles, people and personal capabilities. Thoughts of elearning and ecollege are available at varied times of the day without having to leave home. The connections to the internet are immediate and endless in scope. My ideas of learning as an Adult are far from limited. I am surprised at the various chances to reach the world with the touch of a keyboard.

How has this course deepened your personal learning process?

With the start of Learning Theories and Instruction, the theories of Cognition and Behaviorism were very familiar. The studies from this course presented other theories such as Constructivism, Connectionism, Social Constructivism, as well as Adult Learning theories. A more complete framework of learning theories is now accessible with a broader range of ideas about perception and the application of the cognitive processes. My enthusiasm for using understandings of multiple intelligences has grown and will be applied to future instruction design.
The depths of my understanding of the brain, the process of learning, and extended communications through technology are much more than originally imagined. Additional learning and knowledge is achieved through continuing to explore the depths of this sea of technology. Although I have plunged into a field that is highly competitive I can’t minimize the importance of nurturing the soul through the channels of the brain and the networks of technology. Technology spreads the variations of life and knowledge while it capture the essence of the heart. (Pictures, videos, movies, blogs, emails etc…). Dreams and desires are envisioned, friends and families connected, and memories rekindled. I have become a part of a different world not as a stranger but as a “digital mender”, sewing, weaving, and threading different bits-and-pieces of understanding to create a fabric or design of many colors, textures, and thickness.

I learn through the daily applications and connections that are made with and without technology. The Bodily Kinesthetic value of learning is just as important as all the others regardless of the miles traveled. Through the cognitive processes I acquire, store and retrieve information but live as a naturalist craving the richness of music and art. Additions to cultural learning have been linked through social and emotional learning.
What have you learned regarding the connection between learning theories, learning styles, educational technology, and motivation?
The connections between the different theories coexist with important emphasis to each part while adding to the whole picture. All the parts are equal and approachable. While a person maybe strong in one area today, tomorrow a different combination of theories may have dominance. Intrinsic and extrinsic rewards along with feedback are the token economy to motivation. Striving to accumulate values and ideas that build a better person who values yesterday and continues to nurture today and tomorrow is the task I understand to be at the core of any theory and style. Technology is the most current and efficient tool used in the 21st century world of knowledge and learning. Motivation is the driving force behind all other component of instructional design. Kathy Cercone states, “Adult learning theory helps faculty to understand their students and to design more meaningful learning experiences for them. There is not one adult learning theory that successfully applies to all. (Frey & Almar 2003, p.8). A confirmation about learning is that “learning is about change”. (K. Cercone, 2008).

How will learning in this course help you further your career in the field of instructional design?

Although I have accumulated various lessons from life I can add this course as the most in depth and connected. Learning as an adult is rewarding and stimulates me to continue. Adult learning is about change!
“He or she comes with a mind, memories, conscious and subconscious worlds, feelings, beliefs, imaginations and a physical body, all of which can lead to new learning.” (Malcolm Knowles. 2000).
Training is required to learn about tools of the trade along with the most current theories for instruction. Remember the essential element of learning and the emerging thought about design.

“Training is critical in five areas today." (Riddle 2000).http://projects.coe.uga.edu
• These areas are listed below.
• Stimulating creativity
• Assessing innovation options
• Focusing on the customer
• Designing new services
• Implementing change

Instructional Designers require varied approaches for different ages and personalities.

Cercone, K., (2008). Characteristics of adult learners with implications for online learning design, AACE Journal, 16(2), 137-159.

Conlan, J., Grabowski, S., & Smith, K. (2006) From Emerging Perspectives on Learning, Teaching and Technology Department of Educational Psychology and Instructional Technology, University of Georgia.
http://www.projects.coe.uga/epltt/index.php?title=learning
































Reflection Week 8
Instructional Design and Technology
Learning Theories and Instruction 6115
Dr. Sunil Hazari

Maureen Gorman
Charlotte North Carolina





.