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.