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A lot of information, theories, theorists and terms were discussed during this course and all were interesting and applicable. The material was vast, comprehensive and came quickly. Using this concept, I realize that in order for me to best learn, I need to formulate ways to organize the information cognitively so it’s not scattered. Some of the theorists introduced chunking or mnemonics as means of organizing scattered information. I found the mind map to be an excellent tool for this purpose.
The ways in which my views of learning have changed isn’t necessarily how I view or analyze information, but instead, how I process the information. There were discussions about how our mind processes similar to that of a computer. Essentially, my learning first begins with my senses, whether that is site, sound, or smell which can come in the form of words, symbols, or perception. These then tap into my awareness to begin the information transfer through the working memory to either long-term memory or brain dump.
An analysis of my posted connectivism mind map indicates that I am definitely living in a digital world! The mind map is by no means all encompassing of how I connect with my information, but it certainly gives a visual starting point.
What I have learned about the theories over the course of weeks is that learning is not linear and although the process of information is similar, individual experiences, beliefs and perceptions are key to higher learning. Additionally, declarative and procedural learning require different methods to enhance memorization. I understood declarative memory as a response to the immediacy of meaningful information which stores quickly into long-term memory. This might be in the form of new events or experiences. Procedural memorization is typically more time consuming where memory is useful for learning skills and procedures. A personal example of procedural is learning a new song on my guitar which requires a skill for quick chord changing and procedures to learn the patterns.
Along with organizing of information for my own learning, I have to rely on elaboration and encoding too. For encoding, the information has to be meaningful to hold my attention and influence my deeper learning, or that AADD might result. My learning can also be expanded or elaborated if I have a foundation of experience to build upon. Using the example above of learning of a new song on the guitar, this would be near impossible if I didn’t have a foundation of chord structure and the basic concept of music.
The role technology plays in my learning is seemingly endless. Although I’m a baby boomer and can recall having to get off the couch to change the T.V. channel, those days are long gone…unless the remote control batteries die. I’m using technology daily and not only for learning, but for daily living. Probably the biggest part of my technology comes in the form of communication. Since the advent of social sites, I’ve connected with lost friends and established some new friendships. Professionally, I network with other professionals and special interest groups for sharing of information, ideas, opinions, and thoughts.
The computer and the internet are part of my daily routine, almost too much. Probably to the point that I often have to fight the urge to "jump on". It's filled with endless information and for the inquisitive, such as myself, it can be a hazard as well as a blessing.
