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].