Course Reflection
Genise Brothers
EDUC 6115
When one is young, it is easy to believe that adulthood is a destination in which the gates will fly wide open, and those who enter will no longer be subjected to the rituals and routines that take place in school. However, as one reaches adulthood and the end of their formal education, what is realized is that education though no longer formal never really stops. Learning is a lifelong endeavor. What changes for the student as they grow older is their awareness of learning and what drives them to learn.
For the author, this class has been a revelation. Though familiar with learning theory, styles, and strategies, this class did bring some surprises. What has been most surprising is the idea of connectivism, the learning theory in which knowledge is tied to the size and quality of the learner's network of information. (Davis, Edmunds, & Kelley-Bateman, 2008). What is surprising is with technology and social networking how large one's personal network can become. Even those who do not consider themselves technologically savvy still have a vaster network than they realize. It has the potential to revolutionize learning.
The learning process is different for every person. For the author, this class has deepened knowledge of the learning process by breaking down the specifics of brain function, learning theory, multiple intelligences, learning styles, strategies and motivation. There has been an awareness of learning created that was not present prior to this course.
The connection between learning theory, learning styles, educational technology and motivation is they are all part of the mix that creates learning. Each plays a role in educating the individual, and each individual has their own way of assimilating this mix in a way that is most productive for them. The key for the designer is to have an understanding of this mix in order to help create curriculum that can be effective for every type of learner regardless of age, learning preference, or experience with technology.
Instructional design is a field that covers a lot go ground. It can be used in both the academic and business worlds and covers the education of all types of learners. It must encompass learning theories, learning styles, strategies, and intelligences. Along with the learning itself, an instructional designer must also take into account the technological abilities and motivation of those in which they will be designing curriculum. A class such as Learning Theory and Instruction will aid the designer by not only addressing the ideas of learning, but also introducing the designer to new technologies and ideas provided by the instructor and fellow classmates.
References
Davis, C., Edmunds, E., & Kelly-Bateman, V. (2008). Connectivism. Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Connectivism
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