Fitting the Pieces Together

     A learning theory has five general functions. (1) serves as a framework for research (2) provides an organizing framework for items of categories (3) identifies the nature of complex events (4) reorganizes prior experience (5) serves as a working explanation of events (Ormrod, Schunk, & Gredler p. 9, 2009). During my current class, my professor performed a pre-assessment discussion assignment on identifying my learning style and also asked me to elaborate on what learning theory best described my learning. After reading about several learning theories, I stated that the Cognitive theory and Constructivism theory best described my learning. The cognitive information processing theories focus on how people attend to environmental events, encode information to be learned and relate it to knowledge in memory, store new knowledge in memory, and retrieve it as need (Shuell, 1986). I truly felt that's how I learned new information. Social constructivist futher emphasize the importance of social interactions in the aquistion of skills and knowledge ( Ormrod, Schunk, & Gredler p. 184, 2009)  I also believed I learned better in a social environment, such as, group projects or group discussions.  After really digging into the behaviorist, cognitive, constructivism, social learning, adult learning, and connectivism theories, I realized I learned through all of these learning theories considering on the situation or content knowledge I was trying to acquire. I have learned that one learning theory can't stand alone with the learning process.

      As an adult learner, I see myself attracted  more to social and connectivism learning theories. This is my first online learning experience and I'm learning that I can gain information and content knowledge from colleagues' discussions and technology much faster than on my own. Distant learning is encouraging me to learn differently. I have always been a hands on and visual learner. Information processing has three components: (1) sensory register (SR) -hearing and seeing (2) short-term memory- working memory (STM) (3) long-term memory- is everything we know and know how to do (Orey 2001). Walden University is providing me with both the verbal and visual learning environment to help assist my learning styles. 

     Technology has really been a key component to my online learning experience. Under the umbrella of social learning and connectivism learning theories, I'm using blogs, online chat with classmates, diverse networks, podcast, YouTube, iGoogle, RSS feed, Walden's online database, video, and social networks to gain new information everyday. I utilize my laptop to explore all avenues of technology, but I plan to invest in a" Mobile Device" soon so that I may have access to technology in the palm of my hand. 

Reflecting on my Connectivism

My mind map displays how I use various networks to gain knowledge and information. Before I enrolled into graduate school to pursue a master's degree, I really didn't explore the web for vast amounts of information. I have used educational websites to gain information to get new lesson plan ideas. I also use social networks like Facebook, yahoo, or GMail  to communicate with family, friends, and old classmates. I'm currently at Walden University where I'm majoring in Instructional Design & Technology. So now I am networking more to gain the knowledge on material I've never been introduced to. Not having prior knowledge in the field of technology, is very difficult, but I'm using the online resources to help me propel through this wonderful learning adventure. Walden provides great online resources that allows me to gain unlimited amounts of information. Online learning is new to me, but having podcasts, online articles, e-books, videos, and classmates' discussions, I know I will reach my learning objective goals.  Connectivism has three major components; chaos theory, importance of networks, and complexity of self-organization. Information is abundant, cognitive capacity is transferred onto a network, and networks connect with people and data sources ( George Siemens 2009). According to Siemens "connectivism is driven by the understanding that decisions are based on rapidly altering foundations. New information is continually being acquired and the ability to draw distinction between important and unimportant into is vital (Davis, Edmunds, & Kelly-Bateman 2008). I'm a visual and hands on learner, so the podcasts, videos, and printing out online articles help me learn best. My personal learning networks displayed on my mind map allow me to retrieve information from diverse resources. My networking sources have increased since I've enrolled in graduate school. In my current class, I've learned how to blog and use RSS feed to gain information and to express content knowledge I've gained. I'm excited and on my way to conquering the technology world.

Tabitha's Mind Map

CONNECTIVISM

CONNECTIVISM

This week's assignment was to create a Mind Map that illustrates my network connections. I'm new to the technology world so I hope this link will at least allow you to view my finished product.



http://www.webspirationpro.com/view/1044081a10516

Understanding How the Brain Processes Information (resources)

I found two great sites about this week's topic that provided more useful information about the brain and learning and problem-solving methods during the learning process. 

Problem-based learning (PBL)

Hsiuwei's knowledge base of Instructional-Design theories and model

http://www.personal.psu.edu/hoh5021/kb/pbl.htm

Hsiuwie made a point that psychological research and theory suggests that by having students learn through the experience of solving problems, they can learn both content and thinking strategies. This website also explained the five goals for PBL-problem-based learning:

1. Constructive Extensive and Flexible Knowledge
2. Developing Effective Problem-Solving Skills
3. Developing (SDL) Skills- self-directed learners
4. Becoming Effective Collaborators
5. Becoming Intrinsically Motivated

How the Brain Learns Best

Dr. Bruce Perry

Easy ways to gain optimal learning in the classroom by activating different parts of the brain.

http://teacher.scholastic.com/professional/bruceperry/brainlearns.htm

This website explained two key points for brain-based learning. Dr. Perry talked about Neural System Fatigue, which is basically explained that learning requires attention. Dr. Perry also talked about The Bob and Weave Lecture, which he feels a most effective presentation must move back and forth through these interrelated neural systems, weaving them together. 

Instructional Design Blogs

Flirting w/Learning
This blog provided important information about Tips for Awesome Powerpoint Presentations.  Nicole Legault elaborated on the structure, design, text content, fonts, and visuals for a professional Powerpoint presentation. I really learned very good tips for future assignments.

kmbslearningservices- Reflections on Educational Challenges
Matthew Annis pointed out three important lessons he learned while project managing a keynote presentation.

1. Structure must be apart of any project when working with a diverse group.
2. A transparent process must be implemented so that everyone can view everyone's ideas and input on a project.
3. Finally, the presentation needs to be attractive and engage the audience that you are presenting information to.

Designing the Right Course
The Rapid E-Learning Blog
This blog was created by Tom Kulhman. I definitely will be following this blog. There is so much information I can learn that will help me during my classes of Instructional Design & Technology. This blog provides information on the following:

• Rapid E-Learning 101
• Designing the Right Course
• Visual & Graphis Design
• Instructional Design

Tom asked an important question that will stick with me throughout my courses...Does it help your audience learn and apply relevant skills and knowledge?

References:
Annis (2011) Lessons Learnt While Project Managing a Keynote Presentation. Retrieved from http://kmbslearningservices.wordpress.com/
Kulhman (2011) Designing the Right Course. Retrieved from http://www.artculate.com/rapid-elearning/designing-the-right-course/
Legault (2011)  Tips for Awesome PowerPoint Presentations. Retrieved from http://flirtingwelearning.wordpress.com/