Week 7 Blog Assignment- Fitting The Pieces Together

After engaging in an evaluation of learning styles, the ability to evaluate the multi dimensional aspects of learning have become more apparent. The ability of a learner to evaluate their learning style is a beneficial asset to increase retention. Evaluating the concepts asserted by the behaviorist theory purports learning in its most simplistic form, however this style is an essential building block for the novice learner. For me I able to now appreciate the complexity of learning and use every situation as a learning tool. For my facilitation of instruction sessions, the ability to recognize learning styles will be useful in recognizing the necessity in developing effective learning sessions.

I thrive in an environment where I may use concepts of connecting and linking information within to experiences. My current forms of learning are based within the Cognitive Theory, as I take cues from a concept and link them in with a movie or situation that has embedded in my brain. I take most of my cues from my environment, a concept that I have used from a young age. The importance of social learning significant in developing experiences which leads to the ability to connect these experiences with other ones. The focus on eliciting a response based upon the actions of the learner should be the goal of the instructor.

Technological advancements have emerged as a learning concept that does only apply young academic learners attending a four-year facility. The ability to reach a variety of audiences for the instructor and the ability of learners to communicate and collaborate with other colleagues is a key advantage of technology. Technology disadvantages those who do not possess current knowledge of accessing information from various mediums. Utilized effectively, technology can facilitated greater organization, collaboration and learning from the fingertips of the learner. Technology allows for me to blend concepts of learning on multiple levels. Not only do I learn concepts within the use of new equipment such as, computers and Smart phones, I am also able to bring experiences to others by using these advancements. These advancements have developed greater connectivity as I utilize Adult Learning with Connectivism. Technology has assisted me in becoming even more multi dimensional in my learning and instruction.

Mindmap Reflection

Within my network I have included all of the networks that have assisted in my learning from childhood. Television became a method of assimilating the social values that I currently ascribe to. Utilizing this medium allowed for me to connect to a variety of experiences within other cultures and environmental settings. As I grew as a learner I took advantage of numerous situations to increase my knowledge. My fascination with law enforcement from an early age allowed for me to learn aspects of the culture of law enforcement as well as penal codes and the art of effective communication. As I felt a need to further connect to the history and multiple issues of law enforcement, I enrolled into an undergraduate program that allowed for me to increase my learning in a traditional setting. As a learner it is important to recognize the most effective learning personal landscape. I found for me, the traditional classroom setting did not afford me the opportunity to connect to the concepts that interested me.
After take a long break from my undergraduate studies, I began to evaluate my most effective learning styles. After a great amount of research, the concept of online learning sparked my interest. I determined that I am not a person who learns specific concepts without connecting the information to personal situations. I found the ability to study the theory behind concepts allowed for me to link theory with specific concepts. Considering that a majority of my life was spent working in combination with academics. The computer soon became a lifeline for learning. The computer assists me with gaining knowledge through communication with peers, instructors and other knowledge centers. One aspect of distance learning correlates the ability to be empowered by the learner. Many times I have not been able to contact someone to ask a question due to time restrictions or availability of an instructor. This situation has facilitated me using existing capabilities to find the answer.
The computer has allowed for me to express myself in an online virtual environment represented in my blog sites. Blogging has helped me connect to others who have similar interests. The advancement of online communication environments has also facilitated my ability to provide input and feedback to information and comments that I may or may not agree with. Other virtual environments have allowed for me to become successful at work and in my personal life. The concepts of “Connectivism” are evidenced in the use of networks that work in combination with each other. Each network provides a compliment to the other that increases my retention of new materials.

Larry's MindMap

Learning Landscapes

Probably one of the most necessary skills in interacting with all people is the use of people skills. Within the framework of business, the ability to learn new or existing concepts may be influenced by roadblocks. This article posited interesting concepts in the development of people skills within an organization that includes self assessment coupled with the environmental factors. A successful leader must develop those skills necessary to harmonize the organization. Relating this into the field of instruction design and teaching conveys the necessity for being able to engage diverse audiences. The ability to change an emphasis to match the audience will serve as one of the effective tools needed to engage learners. The social environment is as important as any other aspect of teaching, especially in the field of business. This is yet another example of an environment outside of the classroom that demands the need for effective leadership of others. The article referred to the ability to learn through behavioral modelling, however did not relate in depth considerations on dealing with emerging organization attitudes, which may negatively affect the the success of the administration and employee morale. The shifting of business ideologies in the wake of downsizing and business merging creates new complication for organizational learning

Learning and Coaching

One of the most important concepts for a successful instructor is to maintain the ability to be successful on many different platforms. After mastering skills and proficiency by the instructor, it seems logical that the remaining tasks should center on execution. I found this post highly informative in relaying the universal principles of teaching and coaching. The author formulated simplistic terms of success in the instructors ability to manage the "knowledge, skills and attitudes of his/her pupils. Consistent with many teaching principles, the author noted four key dynamics to increasing knowledge; Relating, Reflecting, questioning and Listening. Evaluating these points in an academic environment conveys that instructors must remain multifaceted in there approach of teaching new students.

The Blending of Ideologies

One troublesome component of Instructional Design concepts relates to the ability to communicate expectations between the trainer and the organization and then execute them to the satisfaction of both parties. Between the organization and the developer, the ability to communicate perspectives between the two may be filled with a great amount of ambiguity in blending the needs of the organization. It is important for the trainer or developer of a new program to provide clear and concise direction to the organization, as to what is being asked of them. conversely, organizations must maintain the same core principles of communications, by stating their expectations in simplistic terms. What needs to occur in this situation is the ability to manage the gap of missing information between the trainer and the organization. This is an important concept, especially when considering customer satisfaction. Without proper planning the program may not deliver and waste values resources between the two parties. This reality of implementing a new instructional program should be carefully considered by anyone attempting to implement and new program.

Finding New Delivery Methods

The concept of Universal Design appears to be an adaptation to learning opportunities within society. Reflecting on past learning deficiencies, a need to develop an learning approach that offers various learning spectres is key to increasing the retention capacity of the wide variety of learners. A concept such as this, embodies the need to connect to others by supplying a multitude of resources to assist with the grasping of important concepts. I would be interested to see if this progressive form of learning can be implemented in an organizational setting as opposed to a purely academic context. Time limitations among organizational staff in a corporate setting may test the applicability of this progressive training tool within an organizational setting. Additionally, training staff must be able to employ the various resources in a diverse learning environment. This entails assuring that staff maintain the training to connect to various diverse audiences.