Fitting the Pieces Together (WK 7 Application EDUC 6115)

    Upon gaining an in depth understanding of the different learning theories and learning style, my view of learning is uniquely diverse and is never done developing because finding different and new ways to learn is a continuous process of lifetime commitment. A much deeper understanding of teaching and learning has been gained than ever before. Despite having prior knowledge of the learning styles, still my understanding of them has grown tremendously. Hearing people refer to learning theories: behaviorism and cognitivism in the past never provided a clearly defined understanding of them until taking EDUC 6115 at Walden University. Furthermore, the theory of connectivism parallels more-so to my idea of learning and my approach to instruction. Technology is almost always the first place used to search for information, to record and create and communicate information. Unless I have prior knowledge, a book for reference, or a credible reliable person as a source of information, my mobile device, Galaxy S3 currently, is the frequently the first place to seek the answer.  My laptop and tablet or any other technology device is used to ask for answer through text messages or Internet search. Reading materials and YouTube videos searches when looking for the answer. Creating and communicating information through technology also show major role in learning taken by the utilization. When creating and recording information my dell notebook and mobile device is almost always used since my handwriting is not always the most legible. Too big, too small, illegible or just plain sloppy, so I try to stick with the notebook and handheld mobile device S3 when transcribing information that I need to communicate create or record.  From meeting notes to classroom notes Furthermore, my organization of papers was always challenging was difficult because all the paper was white copy paper or white loose-leaf paper which resulted in misplacement of items. I have tried color paper in some cases but that became pricey so using technology made things function much more efficiently to the point where my class functions in an almost paperless classroom.  What is meant by almost is the fact that the student have the option to print but all assignments and materials are online in the web portal and tests are generated as forms through Google drive. Concluding,  Collectively the tools of technology enhance learning to a level of vivid, neat, focused and detailed conclusive communication of information.

Connectivism Network Reflection

     My network has changed the way I learned, for if I do not know or remember something, I know where or how to find the answer.  It’s similar to when I worked in retail if I could not assist I would know who could and where to refer the customer. I had a connection to find the unknown. As a youth in primary and secondary school we had the saying, “I got connections” to explain how we acquired or attained something. It was for anything from a how or where we got candy to different style or color of shoes. Knowing how and where to find answers is due to connections or in this instance Connectivism. I am not pressed to remember every component piece or step but I can refer to the website, app or data storage place of location.

     Many digital tools are utilized to best facilitate learning, yet Google is truly an all in one or one stop shop for my facilitation of learning. Almost always, I will be using Google in one way or another. YouTube is another place as well as others like TeacherTube have what I need to share show or study for learning and instruction. One recent, example is when my Acura TL began to have starter problems; I used Google to research the problem through forums and blogs.   YouTube was used to find videos that showed the step by step process to replace the starter. Upon noticing I had all the tools and was capable of doing the task, I completed the job as saved myself over $300. YouTube has helped me to retrieve information that I may not recall all steps or tools required for completion; furthermore, it has made me aware of something that I was capable of completing, instead of paying the hefty auto repair shop price. Google Play Store apps have more apps than I need to facilitate learning. For example, the Flipboard app allows me to customize tiles to remain up to date with news and innovation from current events to my interests.

     To gain new knowledge if I have questions, I consult with branches of my network through posting comments, emailing or contacting by other alternatives. The wide ranging variety of YouTube videos is very thoroughly detailed. Google searches are helpful and being a part of forums and blogs. Also, there are apps and I also can ask people such as my brother, Houston, Texas resident, who has worked in wireless data communications since pagers, and a friend, Opelika resident too, who has been with T-Mobile since they changed the name to “T-Mobile” from “Voice Stream” in 2002. These connections keep me informed.

      The uniqueness of my network supports connectivism because each component connects or fills in missing information needed. My ability to learn adapt and maintain in life and on the job is due to my connections. The example mentioned earlier about repairing my vehicle showed how I can learn more about myself and my vehicle to remain knowledgeable. If I had questions I could consult others via Internet as well as contact someone in my community network if the job proved to be beyond my skill or resources. I use each branch of my network together to facilitate learning. As an instructor I will use my colleagues as well as Internet resources blogs and networking.  My “Connectivism Network” shows examples of some of the tools I frequently use. Connectivism and technology provide the luxury of having more than enough knowledge resources to learn more since there is always more to know.

Connectivism

By: Justin Ward