To be honest I don’t believe that my learning has changed
based on what we have discussed and read during this course. However, I will say that I have gained a
greater respect for how others learn and how I can’t expect to deliver content
the same way to everyone and think that they will walk away with the same level
of understanding. In fact it has also
increased my confidence in what I belief will work for me which is what I have identified
as my learning style. The learning theories
that I lean towards is how I have been doing instruction and trying to connect
with my students who happen to be adult learners. If I am being total transparent my teaching
style is more aligned with cognitive and contructivist learning theories. But many of the strategies that I use to
ensure that learner has embraced the concept are more align with and related to
the behaviorist theory.
Positive stimuli are in my opinion the best approach to effectively
producing the desired outcomes with learners.
As an instructional designer I would continue to utilize this approach
to appeal to multiple learning styles and levels of intellect and
intelligence. As an adult learner, the
setting must create an opportunity for experiences to be shared and to be
reflective on how the particular content if applied can be utilized in the real
world if appropriate. The planning must
also involve not only sharing personal experiences but professional experiences
as well that allow the learner to solve problems. This course helped me to reflect on courses
that I felt more engaged with the content and when I did not. I will also share
that we have discussed the responsibility of the learner to be self-motivated. However,
when I am not naturally motivated I have to use different techniques to process
information.
I have also found value in the
cloud-based applications which could largely because I appreciate and value a cognitive
approach to learning. In addition, a network that creates an environment where
learners can share experiences, provide content/resources, dialogue in
real-time regarding challenges and opportunities to dialogue about best
practices and interests. I initially
struggled with the technology which I would be remiss if I did not share that
if you don’t get ahead of technology it will pass you by.
