With this being my first exposure to learning theories, I found it surprising how having an understanding of theories can truly help me teach and design instructional materials better. The theories have given me a background of why people learn the way they do. I have found already as an instructor that I am more aware of the theories and strategies and putting them into practice. For example, I think some of the modules I teach are lacking connectivity with other adults. I am working on implementing a discussion forum for these particular modules, as creating networks will create connections between my participants at different hospitals (Davis, 2008).
This course has definitely deepened my understanding of my own personal learning process. First and foremost, I have found there is a lot of overlap between all of the theories, making it difficult to categorize myself into just one or even two. In the beginning I thought I fit into the Cognitivist and Constructivist theories. While I still believe this is true, I now know and understand that depending on what I am learning, all of the theories apply in some way to my personal learning experience (Ormrod, 2009).
I have learned there is a huge connection between learning theories, learning styles, educational technology, and motivation. I think they all have the same goal…which is to help us teach and learn most efficiently and effectively. With the emergence of technology, it is going to be crucial to have instructional designers that are not only aware of the trends in adult online learning (i.e. blogs, discussion boards, etc.), but also have an understanding of the theories and ways to keep online learner’s engaged. Technology is changing how we access information and how we collaborate (Johnson, 2009). Without the traditional classroom, it is more difficult to know what motivates students. Online learning is very self-directed; but having resources and instructional material that is designed and presented well, effective learning can take place.
I will definitely be using this course in my journey and career in instructional design. Although I found it very frustrating to comprehend all of the theories, I now feel as though I have enough of a grasp on them that I will be able to use strategies in my design. I am also glad I was able to learn about blogs. I knew they were out there because they often would come up in my search results, but I was unaware of their use. One of the best things about technology is that we have resources at our fingertips. Half of the battle is knowing what is a reputable source and what is not. I now feel as though I have a plethora of scholarly material available to me that I can utilize in my instructional design.
Learning is for life, and for someone who teaches adults, I found this course very helpful. It has furthered my knowledge about learning and deepened my understanding of my own personal learning process. I have also been able to make connections between learning theories, styles, and technology that will help in my career in instructional design.
References
Davis, C., Edmunds, E., & Kelly-Bateman, V. (2008). Connectivism. In M. Orey (Ed.),
Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Connectivism.
Kitt, Eartha (n.d.). Eartha Kitt quotes. Retrieved from http://thinkexist.com/quotes/eartha_kitt/.
Ormrod, J., Schunk, D., & Gredler, M. (2009). Learning theories and instruction (Laureate custom
edition). New York: Pearson.
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