Always More to Learn

When I was originally asked how I learned best, I responded that I most closely aligned my learning style with Constructivism. I believed this because I have found that information is most meaningful to me when I can make it “personal” and relevant to me. For me, connecting to my learning has been key to retaining information. However, after studying and reflecting on all the different learning theories, I would say now that my learning style a mix of Constructivism and Connectivism. Constructivist learning tasks that are authentic, experiential, and problem-based (Ertmer & Newby, 2013). are still the best way for me to learn, but it doesn’t fully explain my learning. I have always had a difficult time retaining information, even when it is meaningful and relevant. I read, research, and engage in learning experiences more than anyone I know, but I cannot regurgitate facts and information as well as others. I do, however, have a robust network of resources that I constantly refer to and pull information from. The Connectivist theory of learning proposes that learning occurs through a web of connections that the learner establishes (Siemens, 2005). This web of connections is necessary because there is just too much information in the world to retain. Furthermore, because knowledge is always changing, this theory puts a greater emphasis on the know “where” then on the know “what”. What I have always seen as a learning deficit, can actually be explained through the Connectivist theory!

Technology plays a large role, therefore, in my learning, because much of my network is made up of technology resources. I save information on platforms like Instagram, Pintrest, and I bookmark websites on my phone to refer back to. I also use databases like libraries and Google Scholar to find information. Even podcasts and documentaries have been resources of information for me. Using these resources as learning tools has greatly expanded my learning network and given me access to much more information than I could ever hope to retain. In light of this, one thing I have changed is that I have started to be more organized within some of these platforms. I have created folders and subfolders that house specific information that I plan to reference later. I have created Notes pages on my phone where I store links to websites based on specific content. I think doing this will strengthen my learning network by improving my ability to access information quickly.

References

Ertmer, P. A., & Newby, T. J. (2013). Behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism: Comparing critical features from an instructional design perspective. Performance Improvement Quarterly, 26(2), 43–71. https://doi.org/10.1002/piq.21143

Siemens, G. (2005). Connectivism: A learning theory for the digital age, International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning, 2(1). http://www.itdl.org/Journal/Jan_05/article01.htm