Emily Richards Introduction to Becoming an Effective Instructional Designer Dr. Artino EDUC-6115-5 October 26, 2013 As an adult learner I have surprisingly found this course to be far more insightful and informative than I initially imagined. I was familiar with learning theories, styles and intelligences before enrolling in this course, but I never took an in depth look at the differences and connections between the three. Now after careful review and superior resources for support I have a more informed and thorough understanding of learning and the many factors connected to the actual act of learning. As Ertmer & Newby (1993) stated, "learning is a complex process that has generated numerous interpretations and theories of how it is effectively accomplished". That statement is so true and relates directly to the many articles, videos, blogs, etc. and their various interpretative opinions that I have reviewed this term. Ormrod, Schunk & Gredler (2009) gave a brief definition of learning by stating that it is an internal process that occurs in the mind of the individual learner as they pursue goals. At the beginning of the course I was completely convinced that I was strictly a Cognitive Learner and I was prepared to defend that logic tooth and nail with very little background knowledge for support. After much dialogue with classmates and a vast variety of great resources readily available I quickly began to change my mind. I no longer believe that I am utilizing one specific learning theory solely and dependently for learning. Based off responses from classmates I have also begun to believe this is the case for most, if not all learners. Constructivism and Behaviorism have proven to be just as relatable and useful as Cognitivism for my preferred learning theories. Now that I have been an adult learner for a few months and started to familiarize myself with a non- traditional learning environment I strongly believe that motivation is the strongest and most important internal and external factor for any eLearner. I do believe that learning theories and styles are definitely connected and important for learners since they serve a purpose for all individuals involved to connect and have a successful learning environment. Furthermore, I believe educational technology is an imperative tool for any individual seeking further education and professional growth and development. All that being said I feel that intrinsic and extrinsic factors develop motivation and confidence for learners that directly connect the learners' acts and process of learning. The ability to effectively utilize educational technology and continue embracing new ideas and tools presented is also directly connected to self- motivation for learners. As an instructional designer I believe this course will help me be more sensitive to my learners and the strategies used to effectively instruct them. The ARCS Motivational Process (Keller, 1999), has served as a great tool for future instruction related to distance education and technology. It stressed attention, relevance, confidence, and satisfaction as successful motivational factors. These four factors were broken down to illustrate their importance and how they impact the larger picture in the most amazing way. Once one thinks about it feedback and relationships between instructors and learners can help or hurt the learning process, but if they are implemented and handled well they should be much more helpful than harmful. References Etmer, P.A. & Newby, T.J. (1993). Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructivism: Comparing Critical Features from an Instructional Design Perspective: Performance Improvement Quarterly 6(4), pp. 50-71. John Wiley and Sons. Ormrod,J., Schunk, D., & Gredler, M. (2009). Learning theories and instruction. (Laureate Custom Edition). New York: Pearson. Keller, J. M. (1999). Using the ARCS motivational process in computer - cased instruction and distance education. New Direction for Technology and Learning (78).

The Theory Unravels

At the beginning of the course my view on how I learn was pretty black and white, not much room for a gray area. I no longer believe it is that simple for any one individual and definitely not the case for an Instructional Designer (IDer) that is hired to facilitate an effective learning environment for others. After reading multiple articles, chapters and viewing videos from multiple scholars I have come to the conclusion that the actual process is much more complex and deserves that recognition. “Learning is a complex process that has generated numerous interpretations and theories of how it is effectively accomplished” (Ertmer & Newby, 1993). I believed that Cognitive Learning was the most effective and efficient theory as a learner initially. However, I now see that the many strategies I employ regularly along with my “learning styles” directly conflict with that mind- set. Ormond provided a few examples on how to cognitively determine if the learner has retained the information given, “how do they interpret things and how do they plan to use the information that they are exposed to” (2009). This immediately directed me towards the act of metacognition, it is a great strategy for self- learners, adult learners, and IDers to use when learning or preparing to facilitate a learning environment. After dialogue with my colleagues and thorough research I am convinced that Connectivism and Behaviorism may be headliners along with Cognitivism for me personally. That along with my findings led me to believe that other learners are just as broadly connected to the various theories, styles and intelligences as well. They are all connected as a traditional learner and especially as an eLearner. In former, traditional learning environments I have enjoyed pleasures such as game- based learning, gesture- based learning, and mobile learning and these strategies allowed me to utilize ideas presented by behaviorist, connectivist, and cognitive learners. As an eLearner I have strongly relied on my ability to connect prior information with newfound learnings and applying them to the necessary work. As I stated before game- based learning and mobile learners are two very entertaining and intriguing activities for learning and I plan to continue employing them in my learning. They are great tools for research, creation, and recording information. Applications such as Drop Box, Google, online libraries, PowerPoint, etc. are commonly used and connect learners from country to country and allow people to demonstrate their knowledge as well learn from others. I believe technology will continue to grow and expand our ability to learn and scaffold our learning’s from others in the cyber world. Etmer, P.A. & Newby, T.J. (1993). Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructivism: Comparing Critical Features from an Instructional Design Perspective: Performance Improvement Quarterly 6(4), pp. 50-71. John Wiley and Sons. Laureate Education Inc. (2009). Ormand, J. Information Processing and the Brain. [Video]. Laureate Education Inc. (2009). Ormand, J. Information Processing and Problem Solving. [Video].