Final Reflection

Taking this course was an essential part in furthering my career in the field of instructional design. Each and every one of us is an individual and has different ways that we take in and retain information. In order to be a successful instructional designer, I have to know how to reach the learners in which I am designing for. So far the common theme of this course, in reference to the learning theories, is that no theory is better that the other. I learned that it is important that I find that median to accommodate all the learners and not just cater to one group in particular. On way that I learned to achieve this was from Dr. Ormrod’s video, Learning Styles and Strategies. She stated using learning strategies such as elaboration, mnemonics, and comprehension, will help. In addition to learning about learning theories and styles, I also learned about motivation and engaging the learners. If learners are not engaged in what they are learning then they are more likely to become unmotivated. To address this issue, I can use Keller’s ARCS model to make sure I cover the areas of Attention, Relevance, Confidence, and Satisfaction.

The most surprising part of this course was learning about how emerging technologies are being incorporated into education. The Horizon Report very interesting. I liked reading about the many strides schools and researchers are doing to take advantage of technology in the classrooms. I especially liked what was being done with personal web. I feel like the possibilities with personal web are endless. Some of my favorites are wikis, websites, and social networking sites. I think that they are great and given the opportunity, can be used for so much more.

This course has deepened my understanding of my own learning process in that it made me take a more in depth look at the way in which I learn and why. Before this class, I have never really thought how I process information and why. The way I think has not changed too much since the beginning of this course. I am learning more about what works for me and what doesn’t. I have found that out that self-directed learning requires ALOT of motivation, focus, and time management. There are many variables that affect independent adult learning, mainly life. It is definitely more of a challenge than in undergrad. Overall, I feel that my personal experiences coupled with what I learned in this course will aid me in my journey in becoming an instructional designer and understanding those that I seek to help.