What did you find surprising or striking as you furthered your knowledge about how people learn?
I found the different methods of using reinforcement to increase desirable behavior more appealing to me. Being able to initiate sustainable changes in behavior is a key to the success of many organizations. Establishing the motivation behind the learner’s reason for learning is essential. Students must feel confident in their ability to perform different competencies. As the instructional designer, it will be important to stagger easy confidence building task along the way to reaching the overall desired result. Taking this information and relating it back to the relevance of the learner will help in establishing a long-term change in behavior. This will assist in making the change more sustainable.
How has this course deepened your understanding of your personal learning process?
This has really been a great class for me. I have learned several things about my personal learning style, as well as, confirmed things I have assumed also. Going in depth on the various learning theories has helped open my eyes to more possible theories. It also allowed me to see more possible techniques that I will be able to use as the ID or the facilitator. In my current role, I often operate as the facilitator and instructional designer. This has provided me with several other considerations that should be taken.
· What have you learned regarding the connection between learning theories, learning styles, educational technology, and motivation?
An individual must possess the cognitive abilities along with the motivation in processing learning content. There are so many different established methods of learning theories from connectivisim to the behaviorist theory. Each method of established learning is beneficial to learners. Often times depending on the material and how much prior knowledge the participant may have with the material would be considerations for how you would design and or deliver content. For example, when you may have challenging content, it is a good best practice to build from prior knowledge or experience. Possibly using the connectivist approach where participants are able to look at different social or cultural dimensions, establishing their purpose and motivation for learning. Using scaffolding techniques to assist in breaking the content down to its simplest form will assist the learners in developing their zone of proximal development. This can be an independent or group activity that may be transferred to an online learning environment. Motivation plays a key role in the learning practices. It is a greater challenge to make self-directed learning environments responsive to the motivational requirements of learners. It requires both a systematic motivational design process that provides adequate guidelines and methods of incorporating feasible and effective motivational tactics into the environment, and knowledge of the dynamics of human motivation ( Keller 1999).
How will your learning in this course help you as you further your career in the field of instructional design?
This course has been a foundation in the preparation of furthering my career in the field of instructional design. It has helped to provide an understanding of the various learning styles and theories. The course has also introduced me to new uses of technology. I have started a blog and learned new ways to make it efficient in the learning process. This will be a great addition to our classroom online learning environment. In the retail sector, we are sometime limited to the request we can make of students when we don’t provide the resources to them while at work. I can see this being beneficial for the self-motivated learner that is willing to go the extra mile to further their own self development. Research has proven that students will study harder when the incentives are more attractive. A great deal of human behavior seems to be aimed at accomplishing long-term goals rather than satisfying short-term needs (Ormond et al, 229).
This is where as the facilitator, it will be key to gain their attention and show the value in the process providing them with personal benefits they may achieve from its use.
Keller, J. M. (1999). Using the ARCS motivational process in computer-based instruction and distance education. New Directions for Teaching and Learning (78).
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Fitting The Pieces Together
With the increase in knowledge of the various learning theories and styles I have found other learning styles that I possess. I always have known that I did not have one best style of learning that was a one size fit all. Often times the material that I needed to learn or even how long I needed to retain it often depended on the method of study. I can remember utilizing basic memorization techniques when needing to recite a speech in my earlier learning. This would be speeches that I would never utilize verbatim again; however, I needed to show current proficiency. Scaffolding is another technique that occurred without me realizing the proper name for it. I feel scaffolding is an excellent technique even in general discussions that plays a big part on the impact of learning for others. I also utilize paraphrasing often when learning new content. For me, this is how I truly possess the qualities of the humanist theory with a desire to fulfill my potential. If I can convert the same information into my own terminology without loss of its intended message, then, I have begun to learn the concept. This is also where the proper use of analogies will benefit the learner. As an instructional designer, the use of analogies with learners will be a benefit on their comprehension of the material.
When studying more challenging material I found the use of elaboration as a helpful technique. This method forces me to prove my comprehension of the learning material. Elaboration has so many forms of efficiency. Paraphrasing, questioning and note taking are just a few.
Throughout the study of the various learning theories, I feel I take part in the use of almost all of the Theories. Through the use of the cognitive learning theories, this is a great way for me to retrieve Information that may have been stored in my long term memory. I can take new information as I continue to learn and relate it to prior learning. This is useful in problem solving, concept learning, and transfer of knowledge.
I also feel adult learning provides the opportunity for reflection, clarification and guidance provided through an online learning environment. This can be found in the chat rooms, structured online class time or even through discussion. For some adults weary of approaching the in class environment due to other commitments, this method still provides a healthy, engaging, learning environment.
Technology has been a great tool for my learning environment. With the technology of today, I am able to be more efficient in my research and time. I am able to research several different mediums at once. Most research you can find in visual, auditory and even text format. This is a great attribute that will accommodate various learning styles. The variety of the learning resources is great for maintaining my attention span. One thing I can confirm I have learned about my learning style is, variety is better. Technology provides a great medium to store and share information amongst other learners. This enables group learning and individual learning. In some ways technology is very learner driven. For me, I have never really considered myself a “techno buff” and still don’t; however, through this course I am becoming more adept at improving my technical skill set. Learning new skills has been a great motivator as a learner and designer, adding more skills to my tool belt.
When studying more challenging material I found the use of elaboration as a helpful technique. This method forces me to prove my comprehension of the learning material. Elaboration has so many forms of efficiency. Paraphrasing, questioning and note taking are just a few.
Throughout the study of the various learning theories, I feel I take part in the use of almost all of the Theories. Through the use of the cognitive learning theories, this is a great way for me to retrieve Information that may have been stored in my long term memory. I can take new information as I continue to learn and relate it to prior learning. This is useful in problem solving, concept learning, and transfer of knowledge.
I also feel adult learning provides the opportunity for reflection, clarification and guidance provided through an online learning environment. This can be found in the chat rooms, structured online class time or even through discussion. For some adults weary of approaching the in class environment due to other commitments, this method still provides a healthy, engaging, learning environment.
Technology has been a great tool for my learning environment. With the technology of today, I am able to be more efficient in my research and time. I am able to research several different mediums at once. Most research you can find in visual, auditory and even text format. This is a great attribute that will accommodate various learning styles. The variety of the learning resources is great for maintaining my attention span. One thing I can confirm I have learned about my learning style is, variety is better. Technology provides a great medium to store and share information amongst other learners. This enables group learning and individual learning. In some ways technology is very learner driven. For me, I have never really considered myself a “techno buff” and still don’t; however, through this course I am becoming more adept at improving my technical skill set. Learning new skills has been a great motivator as a learner and designer, adding more skills to my tool belt.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Connectivism
I have a close and varied network. Each sector contributes differently to my learning. As I begin to reflect on how those involved in my network contribute to the way I learn, each serves a different purpose. The social sites that I frequent mostly contribute to entertainment and mental relaxation. Occasionally, there will be a post of relevance and know how. This would be an instance when I would pay close attention to the details causing my cognitive skills to wake up and “pay attention”. For instance, just the other day a friend posted a video on the various additives that are being approved by FDA and input into our daily food. Through research those same additives are now being linked to common causes of cancer in humans. This may or may not have been information I would have come across through my normal studies.
The work sites that I visit have changed the way I learn in that I use a more varied way of learning, depending on what task I am working with. Birkman man has allowed me to hone my skills in concepts and deciphering. I think it has also allowed me to grow as a person by being more cognizant of people perceptions when discussing their results. I feel Birkman is a great tool for understanding people and their reactions; although, it may not be 100% accurate. Mind tools is a great source to research information that can be used in my daily work practices. Now I may frequent this site for the latest information.
Technology has become a more consistent network in learning. Years ago learning was more hands on, live and in person, that has now changed. Now it’s easy and practical to reach out to others on the internet to communicate on different learning topics. Blogs is a great example of this varied approach to learning through technology. Taking classes online is another way technology has been an influence on learning. Here you are able to learn basic skills such as time management and organizing while also learning the class material.
I like e-learning or videos to assist in facilitating learning. They allow me to review at my leisure, also providing a visual of the learning material. I am a visual learner at times. When you have the e-learning, it assists in retrieval of data.
There are different ways to gain new knowledge when I have questions. Often how depends on which network I am working with. In my online classroom, I am able to reach out to other students or faculty if I am unable to locate a solution through the resources already provided. When working on your blogs or other personal sites you can post or send messages to others. Of course, there is always the Google search option to locate the new information you desire.
My personal network has been a great support in assisting with the other daily life chores that arise which allows me to have more time to dedicate to learning. Listening is also a key skill that I can count on my personal network to provide. In fact, I think that may be the best.
The work sites that I visit have changed the way I learn in that I use a more varied way of learning, depending on what task I am working with. Birkman man has allowed me to hone my skills in concepts and deciphering. I think it has also allowed me to grow as a person by being more cognizant of people perceptions when discussing their results. I feel Birkman is a great tool for understanding people and their reactions; although, it may not be 100% accurate. Mind tools is a great source to research information that can be used in my daily work practices. Now I may frequent this site for the latest information.
Technology has become a more consistent network in learning. Years ago learning was more hands on, live and in person, that has now changed. Now it’s easy and practical to reach out to others on the internet to communicate on different learning topics. Blogs is a great example of this varied approach to learning through technology. Taking classes online is another way technology has been an influence on learning. Here you are able to learn basic skills such as time management and organizing while also learning the class material.
I like e-learning or videos to assist in facilitating learning. They allow me to review at my leisure, also providing a visual of the learning material. I am a visual learner at times. When you have the e-learning, it assists in retrieval of data.
There are different ways to gain new knowledge when I have questions. Often how depends on which network I am working with. In my online classroom, I am able to reach out to other students or faculty if I am unable to locate a solution through the resources already provided. When working on your blogs or other personal sites you can post or send messages to others. Of course, there is always the Google search option to locate the new information you desire.
My personal network has been a great support in assisting with the other daily life chores that arise which allows me to have more time to dedicate to learning. Listening is also a key skill that I can count on my personal network to provide. In fact, I think that may be the best.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Saturday, July 10, 2010
The Information Processing Approach to Cognition
This article is a great resource that can be used to learn how information is stored in memory. It discusses several different theories of information processing where you begin to see the various viewpoints on cognitive psychology. It does share a few general principles that are common amongst cognitive psychologist allowing the reader to grasp the foundation.
The first is the assumption of a limited capacity of the mental system. This means that the amount of information that can be processed by the system is constrained in some very important ways. Bottlenecks, or restrictions in the flow and processing of information, occur at very specific points.
A second principle is that a control mechanism is required to oversee the encoding, transformation, processing, storage, retrieval and utilization of information. That is, not all of the processing capacity of the system is available; an executive function that oversees this process will use up some of this capability. When one is learning a new task or is confronted with a new environment, the executive function requires more processing power than when one is doing a routine task or is in a familiar environment.
A third principle is that there is a two-way flow of information as we try to make sense of the world around us. We constantly use information that we gather through the senses (often referred to as bottom-up processing) and information we have stored in memory (often called top-down processing) in a dynamic process as we construct meaning about our environment and our relations to it. This is somewhat analogous to the difference between inductive reasoning (going from specific instances to a general conclusion) and deductive reasoning (going from a general principle to specific examples.) A similar distinction can be made between using information we derive from the senses and that generated by our imaginations.
A fourth principle generally accepted by cognitive psychologists is that the human organism has been genetically prepared to process and organize information in specific ways. For example, a human infant is more likely to look at a human face than any other stimulus. Given that the field of focus of a human infant is 12 to 18 inches, one can surmise that this is an important aspect of the infant's survival. Other research has discovered additional biological predispositions to process information. For example, language development is similar in all human infants regardless of language spoken by adults or the area in which they live (e.g., rural versus urban, Africa versus Europe.) All human infants with normal hearing babble and coo, generate first words, begin the use of telegraphic speech (e.g., ball gone), and overgeneralize (e.g., using "goed to the store" when they had previously used "went to the store") at approximately the same ages. The issue of language development is an area where cognitive and behavioral psychologists as well as cognitive psychologists with different viewpoints have fought many battles regarding the processes underlying human behavior. Needless to say the disussion continues. (Huitt, W. 2003) The development of concepts is thought to be one of the challenging issues of cognitive learning. Through all the different theories discussed, it provides a useful map to providing information processing in the classroom.
Resource
Huitt, W. (2003). The information processing approach to cognition. Educational Psychology Interactive. Valdosta, GA: Valdosta State University. Retrieved [date] from, http://www.edpsycinteractive.org/topics/cogsys/infoproc.html
The first is the assumption of a limited capacity of the mental system. This means that the amount of information that can be processed by the system is constrained in some very important ways. Bottlenecks, or restrictions in the flow and processing of information, occur at very specific points.
A second principle is that a control mechanism is required to oversee the encoding, transformation, processing, storage, retrieval and utilization of information. That is, not all of the processing capacity of the system is available; an executive function that oversees this process will use up some of this capability. When one is learning a new task or is confronted with a new environment, the executive function requires more processing power than when one is doing a routine task or is in a familiar environment.
A third principle is that there is a two-way flow of information as we try to make sense of the world around us. We constantly use information that we gather through the senses (often referred to as bottom-up processing) and information we have stored in memory (often called top-down processing) in a dynamic process as we construct meaning about our environment and our relations to it. This is somewhat analogous to the difference between inductive reasoning (going from specific instances to a general conclusion) and deductive reasoning (going from a general principle to specific examples.) A similar distinction can be made between using information we derive from the senses and that generated by our imaginations.
A fourth principle generally accepted by cognitive psychologists is that the human organism has been genetically prepared to process and organize information in specific ways. For example, a human infant is more likely to look at a human face than any other stimulus. Given that the field of focus of a human infant is 12 to 18 inches, one can surmise that this is an important aspect of the infant's survival. Other research has discovered additional biological predispositions to process information. For example, language development is similar in all human infants regardless of language spoken by adults or the area in which they live (e.g., rural versus urban, Africa versus Europe.) All human infants with normal hearing babble and coo, generate first words, begin the use of telegraphic speech (e.g., ball gone), and overgeneralize (e.g., using "goed to the store" when they had previously used "went to the store") at approximately the same ages. The issue of language development is an area where cognitive and behavioral psychologists as well as cognitive psychologists with different viewpoints have fought many battles regarding the processes underlying human behavior. Needless to say the disussion continues. (Huitt, W. 2003) The development of concepts is thought to be one of the challenging issues of cognitive learning. Through all the different theories discussed, it provides a useful map to providing information processing in the classroom.
Resource
Huitt, W. (2003). The information processing approach to cognition. Educational Psychology Interactive. Valdosta, GA: Valdosta State University. Retrieved [date] from, http://www.edpsycinteractive.org/topics/cogsys/infoproc.html
The 12 Brain/Mind Learning Principles
This article discusses the 12 Brain/Mind Learning Principles as known by Caine and Caine. The principles are intended to provide a framework for selecting selecting the methodologies that will maximize learning and make teaching more effective and fulfilling. (Posit Science Corporation 2010) This will be beneficial when operating as the designer or facilitator. You are provided with a blueprint designed around brain-based learning. Using this as a guide, it will allow the designer to provide a more effective training plan for the student. Having a motivated student will assist them in becoming more productive particularly when dealing with complex learning solutions. Relaxed alertness, orchestrated immersion and active processing are the three suggested elements for complex learning. This article provides key points on how to include them in learning.
Resource
BrainConnection.com is a Web resource from Posit Science Corporation . Retrieved July 10, 2010 from http://brainconnection.positscience.com/topics/?main=fa/brain-based3#A2
Resource
BrainConnection.com is a Web resource from Posit Science Corporation . Retrieved July 10, 2010 from http://brainconnection.positscience.com/topics/?main=fa/brain-based3#A2
The Information Processing Approach to Cognition
This article is a great resource that can be used to learn how information is stored in memory. It discusses several different theories of information processing where you begin to see the various viewpoints on cognitive psychology. It does share a few general principles that are common amongst cognitive psychologist allowing the reader to grasp the foundation. The development of concepts is thought to be one of the challenging issues of cognitive learning. Through all the different theories discussed, it provides a useful map to providing information processing in the classroom.
http://www.edpsycinteractive.org/topics/cogsys/infoproc.html
http://www.edpsycinteractive.org/topics/cogsys/infoproc.html
Monday, July 5, 2010
This is truly welcome to the world of blogging for me. I am starting my journey towards a M.S. in Instructional Design & Technology with concentration in Training & Performance Improvement. I hope to gain knowledge from each of you throughout the course as we embark on the online learning community together. The sites listed below will be a resource as I continue to work in the Instructional Design field. Instructional Design and training is not one size fit all. Each site speaks to the future of Instructional Design and Technology in the classroom and workplace by discussing different areas it affects and methods to use.
Anatomy of an eLearning Lesson
http://empowerlms.wordpress.com/2010/06/25/anatomy-of-an-elearning-lesson-nine-events-of-instruction/
I found this blog to be extremely useful. It discusses the benefits of e-learning. The structures allows the individual to move through the site in a self-guided pace walking you through aspects that I had not yet considered myself. It also shares specific touch points that would need to be in place to make the training successful. This will be useful in providing you with a mock checklist to begin with. It will be useful in sharing the latest in incorporating e-learning to the classroom. It starts by providing feedback on preferred methods to gain attention of learners. This soon transitions you to begin the thought process of, “How do I enhance the retention so the individual is able to transfer the knowledge to the job?” This will be a key focus for me in retail. After the participant has received their training, most companies expect both profitability and performance improvement. How associates perform is often considered a reflection of the value of the training.
Performance Improvement
http://pdginnovates.wordpress.com/2010/07/01/bridging-the-performance-gap-training-is-just-part-of-the-solution/
Reni Gorman has been designing and delivering learning solutions for nearly 20 years. Training is not a one size fit all or the only component needed when seeking a behavior change. This blog speaks to this. As many companies have down sized and experienced an increase in early retirements the need to operate more efficiently is essential. With this loss, there have been tremendous gaps in performance. Here they offer different views on bridging the performance gap, as well as, discussing cognitive tips for the learners. Through my experience, I have found more productive associates when they understand the why behind the process and realize their contribution to the success of the big picture. This will be very beneficial in providing me with different techniques and views to consider, challenging my thought process as an instructional designer.
Project Management
http://eight2late.wordpress.com/2010/07/01/on-the-interpretation-of-probabilities-in-project-management/
This site provides an overview of project management essentials. It also covers the effects of organizational culture on the success of a project. Company culture has a direct impact on project flow and implementation design. This is a great collaboration of best practices in project management for organizations undergoing change management.
Anatomy of an eLearning Lesson
http://empowerlms.wordpress.com/2010/06/25/anatomy-of-an-elearning-lesson-nine-events-of-instruction/
I found this blog to be extremely useful. It discusses the benefits of e-learning. The structures allows the individual to move through the site in a self-guided pace walking you through aspects that I had not yet considered myself. It also shares specific touch points that would need to be in place to make the training successful. This will be useful in providing you with a mock checklist to begin with. It will be useful in sharing the latest in incorporating e-learning to the classroom. It starts by providing feedback on preferred methods to gain attention of learners. This soon transitions you to begin the thought process of, “How do I enhance the retention so the individual is able to transfer the knowledge to the job?” This will be a key focus for me in retail. After the participant has received their training, most companies expect both profitability and performance improvement. How associates perform is often considered a reflection of the value of the training.
Performance Improvement
http://pdginnovates.wordpress.com/2010/07/01/bridging-the-performance-gap-training-is-just-part-of-the-solution/
Reni Gorman has been designing and delivering learning solutions for nearly 20 years. Training is not a one size fit all or the only component needed when seeking a behavior change. This blog speaks to this. As many companies have down sized and experienced an increase in early retirements the need to operate more efficiently is essential. With this loss, there have been tremendous gaps in performance. Here they offer different views on bridging the performance gap, as well as, discussing cognitive tips for the learners. Through my experience, I have found more productive associates when they understand the why behind the process and realize their contribution to the success of the big picture. This will be very beneficial in providing me with different techniques and views to consider, challenging my thought process as an instructional designer.
Project Management
http://eight2late.wordpress.com/2010/07/01/on-the-interpretation-of-probabilities-in-project-management/
This site provides an overview of project management essentials. It also covers the effects of organizational culture on the success of a project. Company culture has a direct impact on project flow and implementation design. This is a great collaboration of best practices in project management for organizations undergoing change management.
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