I have thoroughly enjoyed this course. Often times, the first course in a new program throw you in the middle of a subject, without ever providing detail or reflection on the subject at all. During this course, the various theories evaluating how people learn have been the most striking to me. Typically, people believe they learn by seeing, hearing, or doing. This is not necessarily wrong. However, the theories presented in this course, such as connectivism, behaviorist, cognitive, and constructivism, for example, do more than just tell us that we learn by doing or hearing, it provides us with a basis of understanding regarding who learns best based upon each theory. Therefore, the theories presented have been the most valuable to me, when focusing on instructional design.
While focusing on how people in general learn, it has also caused me to reflect on how I learn. I particularly have found that the Adult Learning Theory is the most applicable to how I learn. I am motivated by things that interest me and improve my situation. Therefore if it will allow me to grow professionally or advance my personal life, then I will certainly take an interest. Adults are motivated by things that will advance them or the persons they care the most about. Therefore, it is always important to address my motivation in order for me to have a positive learning experience.
As it relates to the learning theories, learning styles, educational technology and motivation, I have learned that they are all interrelated. In order for course developers, instructional designers, professors, trainers, etc. to help people achieve learning, there has to be an understanding of how people learn, the best way to instruct certain people, what resources to use and how to keep the learner engaged. For example, if you are approaching learning from the connectivism theory, then you have to assist the learner with making a connection to new information, in order for them to experience the best learning experience. Essentially learning theories, learning styles, educational technology and motivation are essential to the vehicle of learning driving efficiently.
The learning that took place in this course set the stage for what learning experiences should be. It has provided me with various theories regarding how people learn, which audience the learning theory is applicable to, and how to tap into the motivation of why people choose to learn what they want to learn. All of these elements are essential for an instructional designer. They have to be able to gage the learner, help them learn and continue to motivate them to learn. All of these are necessary in fostering an inspirational learning experience. Fostering an inspirational learning experience is my goal in the instructional design environment.
Everyone learns differently. However, as an instructional designer, it `is our duty to find the common bond that the targeted learners share. Furthermore, we have to ensure that we are ensuring that the learning style of each learner is covered. Finding this medium will not be an easy task, but with the learning experience from this course, I am certain that I will be able to provide an inspirational learning experience.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Fitting the Pieces Together
Now that I have a deeper understanding of the different learning theories and learning styles, my view upon I learn has expanded. I previously believed that persons learned by just seeing, doing, or hearing. However, taking a deeper look into learning theories such as connectivism, behaviorist, cognitive, and constructivism, my understanding has expanded. Each of these theories presents a different aspect regarding how and why we learn in certain situations. However, we are not restricted to one method of learning. The minds behind the theories did a wonderful thing, by giving us a foundation, but in many respects it is up to the individual, circumstance, and organization as to what it best suited.
I personally favor the Adult Learning Theory. Adults are motivated by what they can gain. When we reach the level of adulthood, we have already learned and established so much. Therefore, at this stage, information has to be relevant and useful, in my opinion. If I have no desire to learn how to physically build a home, then I am less inclined to receive an engineer’s explanation or demonstration regarding physically building a home. However if I have a desire to cook my husband Beef Wellington, because he has desired this meal, then I am more inclined to watch, listen, write instructions and model my cooking behavior after a chef who is sharing their receipt. I am more likely to share tuned in, because I find it relevant.
Technology plays a huge role in my learning.
Technology is center to a lot of information today. Instantly, I can find out what is going on in the world, due to the internet and my cellular phone. Twenty plus years ago, we have to await for the nightly news to learn about what took place in the world today. Such resources as Google, Bing, online learning, social networking and news outlets, allows us to stay active participants in the world. I can now get information through the cellular phone, feeds, and news feeds on social networking sites. Through this learning experience I have gained a good foundation for my Instructional Design experience. I hope to continue to learn how to more effectively help others learn through the tool of Instructional Design.
I personally favor the Adult Learning Theory. Adults are motivated by what they can gain. When we reach the level of adulthood, we have already learned and established so much. Therefore, at this stage, information has to be relevant and useful, in my opinion. If I have no desire to learn how to physically build a home, then I am less inclined to receive an engineer’s explanation or demonstration regarding physically building a home. However if I have a desire to cook my husband Beef Wellington, because he has desired this meal, then I am more inclined to watch, listen, write instructions and model my cooking behavior after a chef who is sharing their receipt. I am more likely to share tuned in, because I find it relevant.
Technology plays a huge role in my learning.
Technology is center to a lot of information today. Instantly, I can find out what is going on in the world, due to the internet and my cellular phone. Twenty plus years ago, we have to await for the nightly news to learn about what took place in the world today. Such resources as Google, Bing, online learning, social networking and news outlets, allows us to stay active participants in the world. I can now get information through the cellular phone, feeds, and news feeds on social networking sites. Through this learning experience I have gained a good foundation for my Instructional Design experience. I hope to continue to learn how to more effectively help others learn through the tool of Instructional Design.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
MyMindMap Reflection
My network has always impacted the way I learn. Essentially these are tools that I use to stimulate my learning experience and to build upon my learning experience. For example, information presented to me in a professional environment, regarding the state of the economy may impact financial decision that my household may or may not make. But, again, my network is still a resource for me. My digital network has allowed me to expand my learning circle.
My digital tools the best facilitate my learning are my personal computer (PC), cellular phone, blogs, search engines as Google, television, mp3 player, and DVD player. I utilize my personal computer as a means to conduct electronic research and access online materials such as, the Harvard Business Review, The New York Times, and Forbes, to name a few. These online resources allow me to stay abreast of industry trends and issues. Through Google, I am able to access Google Books and cross reference information presented in other resources.
Through television, I am able to visually take in information and have a cross section of resources provided that generally present an unbiased viewpoint. So, whether it is CBS Evening News or MSNBC, I am able to get information presented from all angles and often times, able to put a face to story. My mp3 and DVD player allow me to view documented information and access information that may not otherwise be shown in a 5 minute news segment. Lastly, with my cellular phone and blogs, I am able to receive information from the masses. Through my cellular phone, I am able to access instant news updates, minute-by-minute access to blogs, and reach live persons. Blogs obviously allow me to get perspective from different persons in different areas who may be experiencing the same.
When I seek new knowledge, when I have a question, I go to the resource that I believe would be most beneficial for that situation. If I am seeking information regarding a proposed tax height, locally, I will rely more upon local news outlets. Therefore, I may utilize their online information or the evening news to gather information and make my choice based upon my personal beliefs and the information presented.
I believe my personal learning network supports the central tenets of connectivism, because resources I use to learn, present diverse opinions. For example, if I look up an issue on Fox News the viewpoint their will generally be different than the viewpoint presented on CNN. Therefore, it allows me to gain information from both spectrums, to develop my knowledge.
My digital tools the best facilitate my learning are my personal computer (PC), cellular phone, blogs, search engines as Google, television, mp3 player, and DVD player. I utilize my personal computer as a means to conduct electronic research and access online materials such as, the Harvard Business Review, The New York Times, and Forbes, to name a few. These online resources allow me to stay abreast of industry trends and issues. Through Google, I am able to access Google Books and cross reference information presented in other resources.
Through television, I am able to visually take in information and have a cross section of resources provided that generally present an unbiased viewpoint. So, whether it is CBS Evening News or MSNBC, I am able to get information presented from all angles and often times, able to put a face to story. My mp3 and DVD player allow me to view documented information and access information that may not otherwise be shown in a 5 minute news segment. Lastly, with my cellular phone and blogs, I am able to receive information from the masses. Through my cellular phone, I am able to access instant news updates, minute-by-minute access to blogs, and reach live persons. Blogs obviously allow me to get perspective from different persons in different areas who may be experiencing the same.
When I seek new knowledge, when I have a question, I go to the resource that I believe would be most beneficial for that situation. If I am seeking information regarding a proposed tax height, locally, I will rely more upon local news outlets. Therefore, I may utilize their online information or the evening news to gather information and make my choice based upon my personal beliefs and the information presented.
I believe my personal learning network supports the central tenets of connectivism, because resources I use to learn, present diverse opinions. For example, if I look up an issue on Fox News the viewpoint their will generally be different than the viewpoint presented on CNN. Therefore, it allows me to gain information from both spectrums, to develop my knowledge.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Sunday, May 16, 2010
learningcircuit May question - What will workplace learning technology look like in 2015?
This week the blog learningcircuit, provided us with their May questions: What will workplace learning technology look like in 2015?
There are many elements, in my opinion that well determine how workplace learing technology will look in 2015. For example, many companies due to the climate of the global economy, have had to scale back. In many cases, this has meant a reduction of force, customer strategy, and simply the day-to-day operation, to stay afloat. Ideally, as the global economy turns around, companies will, hopefully, gain the necessary capital to boast their engine. One of the primary aspects that will need a boast, will be their workforce.
Workforce learning will be key. With having new persons joing the company and possibly industry, basic training will be necessary. Training for the persons that were retained, will be necessary, and continued learning will be needed to compete more positively in this new global economy. Developing a universal system that will allow persons to collaborate, train and access identical information will probably be a key component of how workplace technology will look in 2015.
The instructional design element will especially be key. Primarily because workplace learning will have to be developed in a manner that will address the organizations needs, customers needs, and the needs of the worker, as a stakeholder in the organizations success. Ensuring that all of these elements are equally balanced, will be essential. But, I think a centralized learning system and support system will be key.
How, I would like to present a question. As we move towards workplace learning technologies of 2015, will we use technology as a resource for workplace learning or with technology be the meat and the potatoes of workplace learning?
Any ideaa???
There are many elements, in my opinion that well determine how workplace learing technology will look in 2015. For example, many companies due to the climate of the global economy, have had to scale back. In many cases, this has meant a reduction of force, customer strategy, and simply the day-to-day operation, to stay afloat. Ideally, as the global economy turns around, companies will, hopefully, gain the necessary capital to boast their engine. One of the primary aspects that will need a boast, will be their workforce.
Workforce learning will be key. With having new persons joing the company and possibly industry, basic training will be necessary. Training for the persons that were retained, will be necessary, and continued learning will be needed to compete more positively in this new global economy. Developing a universal system that will allow persons to collaborate, train and access identical information will probably be a key component of how workplace technology will look in 2015.
The instructional design element will especially be key. Primarily because workplace learning will have to be developed in a manner that will address the organizations needs, customers needs, and the needs of the worker, as a stakeholder in the organizations success. Ensuring that all of these elements are equally balanced, will be essential. But, I think a centralized learning system and support system will be key.
How, I would like to present a question. As we move towards workplace learning technologies of 2015, will we use technology as a resource for workplace learning or with technology be the meat and the potatoes of workplace learning?
Any ideaa???
Thursday, May 6, 2010
learningmoments journey begins
Hello Everyone!
This is my first official blog. I am excited to have this opportunity to blog. I was instructed to set up this blog, for an assignment for my Learning Theories and Instruction course, for my Instruction Design Certificate program. The purpose of this course is to look at how instructional designer effect positive organizational change.
I have always believed that every moment, is a moment presented with a learning opportunity; therefore, the name of my blog in Learningmoments. Whether it is learning how to effective work with your target audience, develop new innovative strategies, how to work more collaboratively with co-workers, how to work with stakeholders, or how to simply bring about organization change, there are many moments that we can learn from. Therefore, my goal is to be able to get useful strategies, share ideas and simply learn. In addition, I hope that as you visit this blog, you are able to have a learning moment, as well.
Below, I am listing some initial blogs, that I have found helpful in gaining positive insight into organizational change:
Think+Up:
http://thinkup.waldenu.edu/index.php/blogs.html
"Think+Up is a free online community where you can interact with experts in business and academia—the faculty, contributing scholars, graduates, and current and future students of the College of Management and Technology at Walden University. The College of Management and Technology hosts this site as part of its commitment to Walden University’s mission of promoting positive social change. By identifying important business, engineering, and IT issues, then supporting the free exchange of information and ideas about them, we are fostering a collaborative community that will improve organizations and industries to everyone’s benefit.Like our graduate and undergraduate programs, Think+Up articles, blogs, forums, videos, and discussions focus on the practical application of theoretical knowledge in real-life business situations—with an emphasis on innovation, positive social change, and corporate social responsibility so you and your organization can be successful today and in the future (Think+Up)."
This site is a wonderful tool, that allows you to gain collaborative ideas and seek insight into innovative organizational change.
Reference:
Think+Up, College of Management and Technology: Walden University. (4, May 2010). About Us. Retrieved from Think+Up website: http://thinkup.waldenu.edu/index.php/about-us.html
New Learning Playbook™ :
http://newlearningplaybook.com/blog/
"New Learning Playbook™ is a blog tracking innovations and trends in corporate learning and talent management among corporations, universities and government agencies. New Learning Playbook is targeted to a diverse community of chief human resource officers, senior learning and development officers, human capital officers, chief talent officers, as well as senior executives who are exploring usage of the latest tools and technologies in learning to address business issues such as, attraction and retention of talent as well as development of high potential Net Generation managers (New Learning Playbook™, 2010). "
I find this blog helpful, because it tackles the issue of organization learning. Focus on how the workforce can developed to support the mission and vision of an organization is something that I am concerned with. The professional development or culturalization of the employees into the mission of the organization are key factors that contribute to the overall success of the organization. I plan to follow the activity on this blog and I hope you will also.
Reference:
New Learning Playbook. (4 May, 2010). About Us. Retrieved from New Learning Playbook blog: http://newlearningplaybook.com/blog/about/
The Learning Circuits Blog:
http://learningcircuits.blogspot.com/
"The LC Blog is a community feature that Learning Circuits launched in 2002. The main feature of the LC Blog is its Question of the Month, which hones in on a priority topic facing learning professionals. Anyone--and everyone--can contribute to the LC Blog (The Learning Circuit Blog, 2010)." I find this blog insightful, because it also focuses on learning in the workplace.
Reference:
The Learning Circuit (LC) Blog. (4 May, 2010). About The LC Blog. Retrieved from The Learning Circuit (LC) Blog: http://learningcircuits.blogspot.com/
For most of our lives, we have been conditioned to learn in a schooling environment. We were taught history facts, mathematical problems, and grammar, but we receive no formal training of how to operate in a professional environment, until we are there. I wish to focus on how instructional design, contributes to our conditioning in the professional environment.
This is my first official blog. I am excited to have this opportunity to blog. I was instructed to set up this blog, for an assignment for my Learning Theories and Instruction course, for my Instruction Design Certificate program. The purpose of this course is to look at how instructional designer effect positive organizational change.
I have always believed that every moment, is a moment presented with a learning opportunity; therefore, the name of my blog in Learningmoments. Whether it is learning how to effective work with your target audience, develop new innovative strategies, how to work more collaboratively with co-workers, how to work with stakeholders, or how to simply bring about organization change, there are many moments that we can learn from. Therefore, my goal is to be able to get useful strategies, share ideas and simply learn. In addition, I hope that as you visit this blog, you are able to have a learning moment, as well.
Below, I am listing some initial blogs, that I have found helpful in gaining positive insight into organizational change:
Think+Up:
http://thinkup.waldenu.edu/index.php/blogs.html
"Think+Up is a free online community where you can interact with experts in business and academia—the faculty, contributing scholars, graduates, and current and future students of the College of Management and Technology at Walden University. The College of Management and Technology hosts this site as part of its commitment to Walden University’s mission of promoting positive social change. By identifying important business, engineering, and IT issues, then supporting the free exchange of information and ideas about them, we are fostering a collaborative community that will improve organizations and industries to everyone’s benefit.Like our graduate and undergraduate programs, Think+Up articles, blogs, forums, videos, and discussions focus on the practical application of theoretical knowledge in real-life business situations—with an emphasis on innovation, positive social change, and corporate social responsibility so you and your organization can be successful today and in the future (Think+Up)."
This site is a wonderful tool, that allows you to gain collaborative ideas and seek insight into innovative organizational change.
Reference:
Think+Up, College of Management and Technology: Walden University. (4, May 2010). About Us. Retrieved from Think+Up website: http://thinkup.waldenu.edu/index.php/about-us.html
New Learning Playbook™ :
http://newlearningplaybook.com/blog/
"New Learning Playbook™ is a blog tracking innovations and trends in corporate learning and talent management among corporations, universities and government agencies. New Learning Playbook is targeted to a diverse community of chief human resource officers, senior learning and development officers, human capital officers, chief talent officers, as well as senior executives who are exploring usage of the latest tools and technologies in learning to address business issues such as, attraction and retention of talent as well as development of high potential Net Generation managers (New Learning Playbook™, 2010). "
I find this blog helpful, because it tackles the issue of organization learning. Focus on how the workforce can developed to support the mission and vision of an organization is something that I am concerned with. The professional development or culturalization of the employees into the mission of the organization are key factors that contribute to the overall success of the organization. I plan to follow the activity on this blog and I hope you will also.
Reference:
New Learning Playbook. (4 May, 2010). About Us. Retrieved from New Learning Playbook blog: http://newlearningplaybook.com/blog/about/
The Learning Circuits Blog:
http://learningcircuits.blogspot.com/
"The LC Blog is a community feature that Learning Circuits launched in 2002. The main feature of the LC Blog is its Question of the Month, which hones in on a priority topic facing learning professionals. Anyone--and everyone--can contribute to the LC Blog (The Learning Circuit Blog, 2010)." I find this blog insightful, because it also focuses on learning in the workplace.
Reference:
The Learning Circuit (LC) Blog. (4 May, 2010). About The LC Blog. Retrieved from The Learning Circuit (LC) Blog: http://learningcircuits.blogspot.com/
For most of our lives, we have been conditioned to learn in a schooling environment. We were taught history facts, mathematical problems, and grammar, but we receive no formal training of how to operate in a professional environment, until we are there. I wish to focus on how instructional design, contributes to our conditioning in the professional environment.
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