While this course is coming to a close, I have an account to give about my achievements. Looking back from the 1st week to this 8th week, I can positively state that I am not the same person as I was at the beginning of the course but a different person in my way of thinking, learning, and the use of technology, as well as how others learn.
As I furthered my knowledge about how people learn, I found many things surprising. Prior to taking this course, I had only a general understanding of the different theories and multiple intelligences. Although learning theories have specific definitions, yet they all attempt to make meaning of the world, what happens in the world in terms of human experience; thus how humans learn and how the environment in which they live and materials around them contribute to their learning. What astonishes me in the constructivist’s theory, which I did not know prior to taking this course is that people use their mind differently trying to construct a meaning of the world. This theory in terms makes room for divergent opinions, multiple view points, as we all see the world through different spectacle and also makes room for dialogue. Further, I found connectivist way of learning striking because previously I did not know that there were numerous ways that learners connect in terms of learning until we did the connectivism mind map. It gives me an eye opening of the effect technology has had on how we live, how we communicate, and how we learn through connecting with others globally.
This course deepened my understanding of my personal learning process in various ways. One of the ways was integrating the different learning theorists’ views in order to come out with my own understanding of how I best learn. I also realized that there are many technological tools that are effective for my learning. I can confidently state that all the learning theories play important role in the way I learn.
What I have learned regarding the connection between learning theories, learning styles, educational technology, and motivation is unbelievable. I understand that all of the above are interwoven. They are connected with one another in one way or the other such that one cannot function effectively without integrating with others. I understand that learning theories are important for thinking about and making big changes in teaching and learning curriculum. As one is knowledgeable of the learning theories and the learning styles, they are able to provide the right educational tools that motivate learners and improve their learning. I believe one of the above cannot be adequate without the others.
My learning in this course will help me further my career in the field as instructional designer through creating explicit and effective instruction that best meet the learners’ needs as well as motivate them to learn. This will be possible because I will combine my understanding of the learning theories with the learning styles, in addition to the abundance of the technological tools available to create a current learning environment that motivates and encourages learning. Finally, due to globalization in every organization, I will keep in my mind that “one size does not fit all” anymore.
