The Learning Theory Matrix

During the development of the Learning Theory Matrix, I have changed my view on each theory.  The weeks went by and I started to have deeper understanding of Behaviorist, Cognitive, Constructivist, Social Learning, Connectivism, and Audit Learning Theory.  The matrix provided me a way to break down each theory and style to better understand the importance and challenges of each one.  I learned that an individual does not have just one type of learning theory but a mix of all the theories. I know now that individuals learn in different ways. I need to implement the theories within my learning based instruction to better assistant all types of learning theories and styles. 

Behaviorist learning theory occurs by stimuli responses associated to memory.  In the course week video, Dr. Jeanne Ormrod explains the behaviorist theory in instructional design.  He says, "Here's our long-term goal for this whole course, but we're going to have little units or little lessons inside that course, and each one of those is going to have one or more outcomes that we want."  Behaviorist theory constant of two roles of memory Classical Conditioning and Operant Conditioning that process information by memory.  The roles are to stimuli and response learning to approach memory.  The process of information to memory is to reinforced immediate feedback.  Rewards and punishments are great example of ways to influence the behavior. 

Cognitive theory is defined as processing information by the use of conditional knowledge, metacogition, concept learning, problem solving, transfer, self-regulation and motivation.  Technology has brought the ability to use the cognitive theory to process information in a way.  

Constructivist theory is a psychological and philosophical perspective that individuals form to construct of what they learned and understand.  In the video, “Theory of Social Cognitive Development” Dr. Jeanne Ormrod discusses Lev Vygotsky examples zone of proximal development is a range of activities that can be difficult but not impossible.  For example, individuals look for additional help from online blogs, chat rooms, and online reference resources to gather a bit more of knowledgeable guidance.  I feel the use of online resources will provide me a great tool to gather further assistance about a challenging topic or activity.

Social learning theory is based on assumptions, knowledge and learning.  The theory helps individuals to work with their previous knowledge to connect to their environment.  Knowledge influences the interaction between people and their environment.  I feel this theory greatly benefit individuals who work in a group setting.  Symbols are a key role to memory to connect information.  This theory is great tool to develop online instructions and course materials. Technology uses the roles of social learning to create a problem based instructions, peer collaborations, web quest, learning from others, and anchor instructions.    Social networking websites like facebook has developed the idea of building professional connections within ones environment.  I feel that technology has given individuals the ability to build networks outside of their office and close social environment.

In the article “Connectivism: Emerging Perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology” by Davis, C., Edmunds defines Connectivism as, “combined effect of three different components: chaos theory, importance of networks and interplay of complexity and self-organization.”  The environment we encounter changes rapidly for individuals to work together and function to achieve the same end goal.  Technology makes it easier for an individual to adapt to ongoing change within their environment.  Technology is a great resource when dealing with ongoing change environments.  Yet, technology has changed dramatically over time and made networking through mobile devices easier.  Individuals can connect through mobile devices rather than face to face and build extend their social network.

Finally, I feel from all the Learning Theories discussed in this course Adult Learning best describes my own personal learning preferences.  In the book, “Dimension of adult learning: Adult education and training in a global era”, in Chapter 4: Understanding Adult Learners, brings separation between the student and teacher.  The separation of student and teacher is based on the existence planning, technical media, two-way communication, occasional seminars, and participation.  The interactions of technology helps individuals to be more involved with planning and evaluation, experience basis learning activities, and subjects relevance to their jobs. I am able to comment on assignment or discussion posts at different times and days.  Adult learning is more beneficial to my own learning style because I am able to work at my own pace, build stronger connections, and build my visual and written narrative skills.  Online-learning that is computer-mediate provides me flexibility to my learning process. The access of online resources helps me to set personal goals, improve family life and health, and use my own creative side.