Reflection

           Before I enter into this reflection, I just want to say that I really appreciated you, Dr. Weaver for your understanding a week ago when I went to the emergency room with chest pains.  While at the hospital, before all the tests, I thought that I was having a heart attack.  I really thought that my time was up.  However, thank God, the tests were all negative and they could not find out why I was having such pain.  By the end of the week, I was not having chest pains anymore.  I believe now that I have having an anxiety attack.  My reflection at that time was thinking about how I would not finish school, would not see my children, grandchildren and great grandchild or any future great-grandchildren.  Now, here is my reflection on what I have learned in the course.

            From our very first assignment, I was fascinated about how much research done and for the length of time; this research has been going on since Pluto and Aristotle.  Even though they did not agree on how the brain worked, they both were indeed on the right track.  Since research studies on the mind and brain and how we learn functions to relearning about the two hemispheres of the brain.  Then at the turn of the 20^th century we had other theorist came up with the theories of behaviorism, cognitivism, constructionism and motivation.  This allowed me to understand on why I did not do well in math, however, I exceeded in history, speech and electronics.  Even though I feel that I was still learning these subjects under the cognitivism and constructivism, I now know that I was also using motivation as a tool.  These theories also taught me on how my children learned in school.

            I now know that I do not have to limit my learning to cognitivism or constructivism as an online student I know that I can use connectivism and used motivation to achieve my goals.

            The connection I have learned is that there is not one theory that used, but a number of theories and learning styles according to the ability introduced to the student for their overall success.  There are other techniques such as curb text anxiety and the motivation to achieve.  In our readings (Brophy, 1986; Wlodkowski 1978) “when students know they will have a chance to correct their errors, they are more likely to take on challenging, risky tasks” (Laureate Education, 2013).

            I know that this is the groundwork for my learning steps as I progress though my curriculum.  I have a foundation of knowing the theories learned in this course and future courses here at Walden.  I know that being in the field of instructional design and technology, this is just my first of many steps to enable me to teach our children and adults that there is no certain age when learning can begin or end.

References

Laureate Education. (2013). Motivation and Effect. In I. Laureate Education, Learning Theories and Instruction (pp. 223-261). Merrill.

Fitting the Pieces Together

            In the beginning, the learning theories I exposed to as a child and a young adult was cognitivism, constructivism and behaviorism.  My cognitivism learning consists of memorization and being able to obtain information. The use of visual aids and hands on allowed for a constructivism theory of learning.  Even before starting kindergarten there were certain things I expected to do such as be able to tie my shoes, toilet trained, be obedient to the instructor and all other adults of authority that brings behaviorism into play.  My time in this class has played an important role on how learning affects my brain.  With the use of connectivism, I am able to go to any search engine and research the materials I need for a clear understanding of the data.

            While learning the various theories and learning styles in this class it has enable me to broaden the scope of my learning to connectivism, blogging, brain processes, and social constructivism.  Social constructivism has expanded with the readings of Vygotsky’s and other theorists that address the needs of “group learning and peer collaboration” (Laureate Education, Inc., n.d.). 

            I have learned through social networks on how to post a blog, retrieve RSS feeds, and make comments to someone’s blog.  With the use of FaceBook, and Goggle+ I am able to communicate with friends and family, I can go to any search engine such as Yahoo, Goggle etc. and type in the information I am looking for and get millions of results.  It can become mind boggling with so much information to observe, however, with the use of various filters help to alleviate this issue.

            With the use of connectivity I am able to submit information on my blogs and Goggle+ for others to see and collaborate.  I have RSS feeds that come to my blog as well as my email address.  My Facebook page is for family and friends; however, I do welcome anyone to visit my personal and business page.  I am able to create video and audio recordings.  With the use of Yahoo and Goggle search engines, I can look up any information needed such as recipes, the news, and research for my classes.

References

Laureate Education, Inc. (n.d.). Socially Mediated Learning. In Learning Theories and Instruction. Retrieved from Retrieved from Walden EDUC 6-105.

Stephen Colbert Takes on Common-Core Tests

Stephen Colbert Takes on Common-Core Tests

Reflection - Connectivism

Reflection – Connectivism

Because there is social networks such as blogs, RSS feeds, the Internet and the resources though Walden University, as an online student I can read, participate, and follow these sources geared towards my educational goals. This is very different from when I was attending school in my earlier years.  There is a mind map showing the topics involved with the online way of learning that I am experiencing in getting my graduate degree.

Topic 1
1. Walden Resources
2. Online Library Resources
3. Learning Theories and Concepts
4. My Blog – nez2574.wordpress.com (for first assignment)
5. My Blog – nez2574@blogger.com (for all other assignments)
6. RSS feeds


There is not one digital tool that is best, but a number of tools that are available to me to be successful.  First are the online university’s resources that allow me to view videos, articles, blogs and RSS feeds to complete my assignments.  Research obtained through the university’s library and Internet library resources.  With the use of the textbook, I am able to learn the various learning theories and concepts such as behaviorism, constructionism and cognitivism as well as experimental, project based learning, instructor design and instructor lead. With this assignment I have learn what connectivism and how it contributes with the knowledge of learning through a diversity of opinions.

When I have questions, I go to the university’s web portal to the questions to instructor link.  This is where all students with questions to the instructor can go to seek answers to their questions or pose a question if necessary.  Other resources I will go to is to Goggle my question to see what results.  Even though I have not done so yet, I can always call my instructor to get clarity on a particular subject.

In my personal online learning experience, I have found that connectivism plays an important role in my graduate courses experience.  Instead of the traditional two to three year span of sitting in a classroom each day, I can obtain my accredited degree in less than two years. Another reason is the “half-life” of learning, as we know it today.  This is because of so many changes in technology, social culture, and life in general. “Learning is a continual process, lasting for a lifetime. Learning and work related activities are no longer separate. In many situations, they are the same” (Siemens, 2004).  As an instructional designer I will be continuing to learn new technology and skills in order to be the most effective and efficient instructor for my students.  This is whether they will be children, adults or a trainer on my job.

References

Siemens, G. (2004, December 12). Connectivism: A learning theory for the digital age. Retrieved from http://www.elearnspace.org: http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/connectivism.htm

Connectivism