Final Reflection-Online Learning Challenges

Final Reflection on Online Learning Challenges

Taking the course on Learning Theories and Instruction has opened my eyes on several aspects of understanding the learning process of me as student of Instructional Design and other learners along with to the importance of motivation as part of the learning process. Beginning with myself, I have been able to identify that my learning process is social constructivism learning.

Social learning theorists have described this method in which learning occurs within in a social context and the learner is intrinsically motivated to discover and obtain new knowledge to (Ormrod, 2008). I am on a continuous quest to seek out new information whether be workshops, seminars, webinars, or social networking media. My desire to learn helps me to be a motivator to encourage and motivate others to first understand what they desire and to seek out the best method of obtaining what they seek after.

As for online learning motivation, I believe the best of the best of Instructional Designers can test, survey, compile data to create what is perceived as the best online learning venue program but cannot create a motivation program that will convince and motivate learners to online learning is going to be a learning venue that is going to supersede classroom learning.

The best of the best of instructors who develop what is perceived as a prime curriculum lesson plan go along with the Instructional Designer’s online course program will still not convince or motivate learners to receive online learning to be as equivalently effective learning venue compared to attending a traditional classroom environment until educators can identify first what motivates learners to learn then what will motivate learners to want to learn online.

Surprisingly online learning is still a concept hard to swallow for individuals who are accustomed or desire interaction. Perhaps with all the negativity surrounding online learning, I believe that individuals who favor’s interaction in the classroom can still face challenges of motivation for learning for the same reason given for lack of interest for online learning such as courses shows no value to career goals, lack of time management, more assignments than expected, lack of instructor or counseling support, and personal obligations.

I still search for what are the real concerns for online learning programs? I often think if the same degree classes offered at a traditional school was offered at a reduce cost online,  or more emplorer endorsements for online learning as a form of employee tuition discount incentives, would the attitude of online learning change and foster more learners to become motivated to this type of learning venue? Time will tell.

Ormrod, J. E. (2008). Learning theories and instruction. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Laureate Education, Inc.

Fitting The Pieces Together

I have to admit that only for a few years since I become engaged in various social media to obtain new ideas on developing my skills as an adjunct instructor and as a Career Coach. I utilize both conventional and unconventional methods of learning. I am learning a great deal through observing other people who may be in similar situations that I am facing as well as I like to hear how others handle particular situations. I admit that I am a information technology driven to search for information at the tip of my fingers for convenience.

I am favorable to learn by way of social constructivist learning. I learn from from observing other people and finding ways to connect either through face to face or social media. I have always self taught my personal style of learning to be an effective leader through observing and talking to others. I sometimes prefer reading books and then there are times I prefer to research information on the Internet.  I often prefer the web searching due to convenience and the ability to obtain information that is more up to date then ordering books; however, the more I am able to network through various social media outlets such as Linked In and Twitter, the more I become excited learning or obtaining new information of my interests.

I am truly appreciative of all the vast technology social media outlets that allow creative means to connecting with individuals throughout the country to network and share ideas. The challenge I see with social media is not knowing the credibility of individuals and realizing that the social media venues do attract individuals who may not be as credible among his or her peers.

Connectivism-Reflection

Connectivism

            I have learned over the years as I had prepared to transition into a new career into Adult Teaching and Self-employment that I needed to devise appropriate networking connections. For many years from having worked in various job development positions and searching for various employment for my own benefit, often employment interviews were the result of who I knew working in human resources, my personal references, or referrals from friends or family members.

            Several months ago I decided to transition from full-time employment working in non-profit to teaching a full course load schedule for this year a and pursing consulting contract jobs while re-building my real estate contacts as a licensed real estate agent. I desired to be self-employed and do what I love to do without going into someone else’s office. Preparing for this transition required me to develop not only a business action plan, but to also develop a networking action plan.

            My networking plan was a another form of  mapping out my connections. Ormrod (2008) defines mapping as a learning technique in which one identifies important ideas and they relate. My research showed me various networking connections such as LinkedIn and Twitter that I use to connect with individuals who exhibits similar career, education and personal interests that I too exhibit. I have also learned a great deal about blogging as a result of various networking connections on LinkedIn and Twitter. Each networking site allows me to search for new ideas and keep abreast of various industry trends that relate to my areas of specialty which includes higher education, real estate market, and career interests.

            What has helped me using these sites includes learning about small business entrepreneurship, adult educators sharing their experiences teaching adults, and how to develop a marketing plan for attracting buyers to buy real estate properties. The networking connections I believe provide an excellent interactive learning venue that does not deter individuals asking options of others they do not know. Because many of the networking contacts have personal websites or blogs, they welcome anyone to contact them for additional questions.

            A digital tool I see that is popular quick and easy accessible reading is E-books. I prefer E-books as a reader because they are easily downloadable to my Nook and my laptop computer. A great deal of information I search for are in E-book format only. E-books are often less costly (some free) to purchase compared to purchasing a traditional book. I actually look at many of my network connections that provide a personal website and offer free downloadable E-books of free information. I have gathered enough of the free downloads that combined would have probable cost me over $100.00 dollars to purchase from one author.

            Another digital I favor are free or low cost webinars. I have connected with many career coaches and real estate agents who produce information webinars on the latest products and trends. Often I find this more appealing and less costly.

            Overall, my preferred connections facilitate effective learning connections through the convenience of technology. I would find it very hard to isolate this vast amount of information due to lack of time and the exhausting efforts it would take to seek out local connections and be challenged with the daunting task of personally trying to attend an abundance of networking groups or spending large amounts of money on books that I would get bored reading.

 
Reference

Ormrod, J.E. (2008). Learning theories and instruction. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Laureate

Education, Inc.

Connectivism