Reflections on Learning

My views on how I learn best have changed. I now understand that learning is more than just my approach to understanding new topics or subjects. I find that learning is a network of the many dimensions that make up my existence. I am now aware that the learning experience involves more than cognitive storage of facts and figures, more than the memorization of definitions.

Considering what knowledge I bring to each lesson has given more depth to my level of understanding new information. Past and present experiences, relationships, academics, all provide for a resource of tools that I can integrate into my new learning experiences.

Consider for example, my previous difficulties with understanding learning and behavioral theories. I would read literature repeatedly to try and understand it in an abstract context. I did not attempt to find meaning to these concepts but instead kept them in the intellectual realm without relating them to past experiences. I approached these subjects without considering their relevance to personal and professional applications but instead attempted to memorize each and every detail of the information.

Reflecting on the relevance of each learning theory (Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructivism, Social learning, and Connectivism) I now realize that learning is contextual and situational as much as it is memorization and understanding. No one learning theory provides the best explanation of how I learn. However, I find that connectivism provides a more complete explanation of learning in today’s world of global communications and related technologies.

This blog represents a newly acquired resource for sharing insights on learning and for acquiring meaningful information relevant to my personal and professional growth via internet resources. The connection with the many sources of information found via internet technologies has opened new doors for learning and teaching opportunities.

Thanks to my on line connection with classmates, I have discovered websites that provide for creating online classrooms to communicate information and monitor student participation (http://www.4teachers.org/tools/) . These online resources are free of charge and available to teachers worldwide. I will now be able to provide in-service training to faculty members without imposing on work schedules or departmental productivity. Another important new development is the use of a virtual library provided by Cengage Publishers (http://library.cengage.com/) which our school recently purchased. Our students will now be able to access publications, books, journals and other sources of information to complete coursework. Instructors can now provide an online resource that will enrich student learning. I am just now realizing how important these technologies are for both learning and teaching. I look forward to the discoveries that current and emerging technologies will provide with learning as well as teaching.