The past seven weeks I’ve been learning about various
learning theories, styles and strategies. As I look back on my experience and
contemplate the relevance and meaning for me professionally, I am asked to
consider my personal learning preferences and discuss the role of technology in
learning. As I began this journey I was unorganized in my understanding of
learning theory and the relevance that each one provides. As I’ve grown in
knowledge and understanding these past weeks I have come to believe that each
of the learning theories and styles have merit in the proper context. In the
beginning, I was under the impression that I would find the one theory that
explains it all and I would become a follower of a specific field of thought.
Quite the contrary, I have become a fan of all of the theories and styles. In
looking at my own personal learning I can see that I have moments when all of
the learning theories and styles are prominent. I can very easily relate to a
behavioristic approach when I develop a new skill or ability as I have recently
in a construction job. I look to the cognitive model as I read and study new
information and try to make connections with my long-term memory. The connectivism
theory has been highlighted the past couple of months through the discussion
posts and conversations with classmates regarding the learning resources. The
constructivist approach speaks to me in this class as I consider the context of
my learning and the manner in which I will apply the content to my present
environment. As an Instructional Designer I believe that knowledge of the
various learning theories, styles and strategies will better allow me to design
curriculum to meet the needs of learners by considering the content of each
lesson and determining the most advantageous delivery method available. The role
of technology is primarily as a tool to assist in the delivery, manipulation,
or interaction with the content. I intend to take advantage of the various
technological tools to help learners get the most out of what they are learning
and to enhance the learning theory best suited for a given lesson. The
technology can be used in a variety of ways to support and enhance the learning
theory, style or strategy being implemented for a given lesson. Placing greater
expectation on the technology itself to deliver learning will eventually lead
to frustration and failure. So whatever the task set before me, I am now more
capable of matching an effective learning theory, style or strategy to the
content being delivered. I hope to become more proficient at the utilization of
current technologies to best support the learner and aid them to achieve their
learning goals.
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