I have to admit that there is a certain amount of the Behavioristic learning theory in my learning style. I think this is because I was taught to apply rote memory and repetitive practice to any learning process and I naturally drift back to this learning pattern. I am also aware that this is only short term memory work and I have to consciously apply the Cognitive pattern of creating a schema, and activating prior knowledge, to “hook” something onto; but it is not natural.
I thought that I was a visual learner and, as someone who was labeled “gifted” in the very early stages of that movement, I was really amazed to learn about Multiple Intelligences. Now, of course, I knew about them, but not how they applied to me. I am not a kinesthetic learner – if you would relate it to sports activities, but I do learn through music and art, so on a sliding scale of “kinesthesia” I suppose I do fit into that category. Learning from music would also categorize me as an auditory learner. If, however, rated myself spatially, I would fail. What this means to me is that this class has given me more insight into myself, as learner, and I don’t know everything and don’t learn in every way. Rather humbling.
Technology is certainly playing a larger role. Everything is better… I enjoyed the Learning Matrix that I hope to use again. It’s a great learning device. (I added citations and quotations because I am still learning and wanted to use it as a source document, not one that I applied my paraphrasing to. I might redo it at a later date, after I feel that I am more of an expert! But, the fact that I can do that, and reuse the idea as often as I please, is terrific for a Behavioristic learner.) I loved the mind-mapping. My original mind-map, the one that didn’t answer the original question, was fun because I enjoyed the FreeMind software and added all sorts of icons to my organizational chart. I can see how I can apply it in the classroom for any aged learner.
I like the hardware (I now own a laptop), I love the new applications of PowerPoint, which I use on a regular basis in the classroom, but most of all I love what I am learning of Connectivism and how it relates to young people of today.
Yesterday, I read the “Nature Conservancy” magazine, and one called “Turning Wheel.” Some young people truly have a sense of connection to each other that goes beyond national and cultural boundaries. Technology is the vehicle that connects them to each other and allows them to share ideas and create communities. Young people are also using technology to preserve the past if you use “Project Guttenberg” as an example. (Over 100,000 books have been transcribed onto the Internet, with many more to come, as they pass out of copyright… the answer to Ray Bradbury’s “Farenheit 451!”).
My “consciousness” is certainly being expanded through the blogsites and all of the websites our Walden students are sharing, as well. I had considered myself an educated person but that related to the past learning. I am so grateful to be a small part of future learning. I look forward to what will come next as I continue through Walden’s IDT process!
