Fitting the Pieces Together

Examining the various learning theories can be very interesting and cause one to reevaluate how they learn.  Through the Learning Theories Matrix project, the way in which I learn was reaffirmed.  With the Constructivist Theory, Ertmer & Newby say that learning is created when meaning is created from and experience (Ertmer & Newby, 1993).  I am an individual that needs to be actively engaged when learning and be hands on whenever possible in order to get something into my memory.  Memory in Constructivist Theory is constantly being worked on and it is important that learners can interpret and elaborate upon information that they come in contact with (Ertmer & Newby, 1993).  This is exactly what happens with me when learning.  I take the information and then make connections with what I already know and apply it to situations as needed. 

Through this course, a lot has been learned about the various learning theories.  Although I learn predominantly through the Constructivist Theory, There are various things from the other learning styles that have been examined that I do see integrated into the way that I learn, now that I am familiar with them.  For example, with the Social Learning Theory, learning takes place through social and cultural environments (Ormrod).  In Connectivism, connections are made through materials by creating networks with information (Davis, Edmunds & Kelly-Bateman, 2008).  Through the use of social networking sites and encountering blogs through this course for example, I have come to use connectivism more than in years past which has enhanced my learning experiences.  Over the last seven weeks in this course, I have come to see how the different learning theories are connected in different ways and that we do not learn through just one.

Technology has become a very important part of learning.  Years ago, I used technological resources to do research for various school projects.  In recent years, however, I have been a part of social networks which provide me with information on various topics, I have come to learn a lot from various youtube videos, blogs, etc.  With the technology that is available today, I am in constant contact with information that keeps me continuously learning.  In addition, through new technologies, new ways of presenting information have also come about.  When we did the mind map in this course, it is the first time that I had used a mind mapping software program.  I am now starting to learn more and gain more insight about how these new technologies can be used in the educational environment and look forward to learning more throughout this program.

References

Davis, C., Edmunds, E., & Kelly-Bateman, V. (2008). Connectivism. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Connectivism

Ertmer, P. A., & Newby, T. J. (1993). Behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism: Comparing critical features from an instructional design

perspective. Performance Improvement Quarterly, 6(4), 50–71.

 

Ormrod, J. Theory of Social Cognitive Development. [Video production]. Laureate Education, Inc.