Reflections on a Wealth of New Knowledge

As the course comes to a close, the Christmas season begins, and thoughts turn to the new year and new possibilities, I can’t help but feel a sense of optimism, both for opportunities in the new year, and for the future of my Instructional Design program. At no point in my scholastic career can I remember a class that has taught me more on a subject I found so fascinating. I’ve always harbored a certain curiosity on the subject of learning, mostly because, to be perfectly honest, it has come so naturally and easily for me. I was always the student in class that grasped the idea or lesson right away, and was often deployed to the class to help tutor others. I’ve always wondered what made me so different in this sense. What is it about my brain or my technique that allows me to grasp concepts so quickly and fully? I feel that the material presented in this class allowed me to crawl inside my own head and to understand that question more deeply. While I believe several lifetimes can be devoted to the subject of learning styles, learning theories, and motivation, and still not be able to unveil all the mysteries therein, the concepts I’ve learned in this class will be very applicable in my future career as an Instructional Designer.


What struck me most about the concepts presented is the vastness and diversity of the subject matter. I found myself exploring one theory or style, grasping the concept of it, then being introduced to another concept that was completely different. While all of the theories presented different angles and sought different explanations, they all shared a common bond of a sincere quest for the understanding of the inner workings and processes of the human mind. This quest was not for personal gain, but for the advancement of human kind in an attempt to streamline and strategize the learning process. If efficiency in learning can be established, then learners can advance themselves to their full potential, helping all of human kind in the process. This altruistic vision is one that I hope to contribute to in my life as a designer of instructional environments.

Fortunately, I find myself more confident in my ability to achieve my contributive goal, because of the depth of knowledge I’ve gain in how people learn, and what approaches to take to best serve the learners I’m to communicate with. The largest lesson that I’ve learned is that no two people learn in the exact same way, so for me to design effective learning environments, I must incorporate as many strategies, styles, and stimuli as I can, to reach as many different learners as I can. I most associated with the Multiple Intelligences Theory of Howard Gardner. As I said in several discussion postings, it’s the idea that intelligence moves beyond the conventional logical/mathematical and linguistic categorizations, and considers the artistic and personal intelligences as well. All eight intelligences are given equal weight, and the ability and opportunity to develop and grow these intelligences is granted to all. I am inspired by this theory and plan to utilize it to its fullest potential in every learning environment I conceive, from the smallest training module, to the grandest of online educational institution. I have several of Gardner’s books on the way, and I can’t wait to delve deeper into his world.

The knowledge I’ve gained in the class will go a long way in the development of my future learning environments. There is no correct way to learn, so my challenge will be to incorporate as many techniques and styles as I can in my designs, for the benefit of a greater cross-section of humanity. I look forward to my continued studies, especially to the exploration of the Adobe design software. It is encouraging, however, to know that the foundation that has been built in the program is a strong one, and will serve me well in my future endeavors.

Reflections on Personal Learning Style

At the beginning of this course, I described myself as a visual learner, but gave concessions to an ability in auditory learning as well. My understanding of my learning abilities and intelligences has expanded tremendously. I used intelligences in that last sentence on purpose, because my exposure to Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences really opened my eyes to how I learn.

I was always dissatisfied with the visual/auditory classifications, as I felt it was missing something. What that something was I couldn't put my finger on, but it just seemed too basic. Reading Gardner's theory really resonated with me, as it filled in the gaps I perceived but was unable to fill myself. I particularly like the inclusion of the arts and personalities in the Multiple Intelligences Theory. Audio/Visual at least broaches the subject of Musical and Spatial Intelligence, but doesn't go all the way. I know many people who like music, but can't carry a tune. I know people who are color blind, but can truly appreciate a sunset for all its majesty. Simply classifying these people as audio or visual people doesn't describe the complexity of their unique situations. Gardner's theory says that it's possible to love music without being able to create it. The theory says my color-blind friend can rely on his spatial intelligence to appreciate the sunset for what it's worth, even if he can appreciate the full spectrum of color. I related to the theory so much, that I bought three Howard Gardner books, to learn more deeply on the subject.

Knowing about and believing in the eight intelligences will help me utilize technology in myriad ways. Adding ambient music to learning environments to stimulate those with a high musical intelligence; employing artistic style to learning environments to appeal to the spatially strong; and, try to bring people together to incorporate interpersonal intelligence. I also plan to make learning as asynchronous as possible, touching on a person's intrapersonal intelligence, and appealing to the adult learning tenant of self-direction. This is just the beginning.

Mind Map - Reflection

Upon reflection of the material presented in my Mind Map, I can truly say that my learning has become much more 21st century. I’ve had experience with online classes in the past, but not with a degree program that is 100% online. I’m not going to lie and say that it was an effortless transition, but I think my previous experience with online learning, and the fact that I work for Walden and had an idea of what the learning environment was like before I started, definitely eased the adaptation. I think the online format of this program very much suits me, as can be reinforced by the discussion this week on adult learning and the characteristic preference for self-direction. I’ll also say that the asynchronous nature facilitated my learning more than anything, as I can do my homework whenever I want. In my bachelor’s program, my favorite classes were the online classes. Not because they were easy, but because they were flexible. I hated going to class and sitting through lecture. This concept of learning really is antiquated and I always thought there had to be a better way (especially in Minnesota winters. It was very easy to skip class when there was two feet of snow on the ground and the temperature was negative-ten degrees). Online learning lets me work from home, which is perfect for me (even though I live in Arizona now, and weather isn’t an issue).


I’ve never been much of a question asker, relying instead on finding the answer for myself, but I’m very comfortable asking questions in the online environment. The professors thus far have been very prompt in responses to any questions I’ve had. This only reinforces the support I feel from my friends and family (as shown in the Mind Map), and the experience I’ve been having so far in the online program. It helps also that I have a classmate, in the same program, on my team at work. We talk about the program nearly every day, answering each others’ questions and providing another layer of support (not seen on the Mind Map). All of this support is invaluable to say the least.

As shown by my mind map, I think the central tenets of Connectivism are well represented. Essentially, connectivism can be interpreted to convey a message of, “no one learning theory is 100% correct.” Instead, connectivism implores the individual to use as many methods as possible to learn in the most effective manner. My Mind Map shows that I learn through several different methods. Cognitivistically speaking, learning in my current online environment is heavily influenced by my previous experience in my bachelor’s program. I can access the schema built from that program and apply it to my current program when it comes to time management, online ethics, and so on. Constructively speaking, the social environment of not only the classroom, but my job at Walden comes into play. It’s a blessing to work for a school you attend, because the culture of learning is strongly ingrained in everyone. While employees are not necessarily encouraged to do homework at work, it is tolerated, which allows me to do a lot in my down time at work. Without that sociocultural structure, there would be a little more adaptation needed on my part to establish a routine at home. As it stands, I can be surrounded by a pro-education environment and tap into that energy while doing my homework.

My Mind Map