Looking Back!

Well the end of my 8 weeks of class are approaching quickly and this week we are asked to reflect on everything we have discussed/read over the last 7 weeks. I can tell you it has been a lot of information to reflect on but extremely interesting. I have really enjoyed my classmates and their views on the materials that we have covered. So here are the questions we were asked to discuss in this week’s blog!

Now that you have a deeper understanding of the different learning theories and learning styles, how has your view on how you learn changed? Further explain your own personal learning preferences?

I think the number one thing I have learned from this class is that learning is a unique experience that is different for each person and as a future instructional designer I must understand that when implementing training in the future! Upon reflection of my own learning experiences growing up; I am able to better understand how I was able to overcome a learning comprehension problem and be successful as a student. As an adult my learning has been geared towards more of a technology based learning. I have been brought out of my comfort zone of a traditional classroom to an online environment and requires me to be technology savvy (kind of :)). I remember just 7 weeks ago being totally intimidated by the fact that I was going to have to step up my computer technology skills! I now understand how an instructional designer has such a BIG impact on training, education, or in any other learning environment.

What role does technology play in your learning?

Technology has played a vital role in my learning however it hasn't been until lately that I have realized its impact. When I started taking this online class I had become familiar the Walden E-library, online discussion boards, blogs, as well as RSS feeder. Prior to this class I had no idea about, let alone the impact blogs and a RSS feeder can have when someone is trying to learn new material. I have used these different resources as part of my researching. I like to reference online blogs when I am looking to hear personal stories about a topic I am examining. One thing that I have learned the last 7 weeks is that as an instructional designer that technology plays a vital role in learning today and it is important that I stay on the for front of emerging technology.

MY LEARNING CONNECTION

The above picture shows my own unique mind map! I know that it has been awhile since I have posted a blog but I have been very busy learning all about the different learning theories and how they work. What I have discovered the last few weeks is that as an adult learner I have my on unique way that I learn and retain information. The above Mind Map outlines my different learning connections that I use from online resources, social networks, to my formal education experiences. I will briefly tell you how each one of these connections!

FORMAL EDUATION

My formal education started at Western Illinois University (WIU) in Macomb, IL where I majored in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration (LEJA) and minored in Computer Science and Sociology. When I look back at my education I think I primarily refer to my experiences in graduate school at WIU where I received a Master of Arts in LEJA. The LEJA graduate program was geared toward law enforcement personnel that had been in the field for a number of years. I got to experience an awful online classroom experience and it was not until my recent enrollment in Walden University did I realize the potential for a good enjoyable online classroom. While completing my undergraduate and graduate work I completed a number of internships that allowed me the opportunity to apply the knowledge I had gained while in school. Another portion of my formal education refers to my training I completed at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. This training is vital to my safety as well as my fellow agent’s safety in the field. My training experience included becoming proficient in everything from immigration laws, firearms, defensive measures, to tactical driving. All of this formal education has an impact and is connected to my different learning connections.

ONLINE RESOURCES
It was during my college experiences when I finally understood the impact of online resources. Little did I know how important the internet would be to my educational experiences. I can officially say that I feel comfortable using both the WIU and Walden online libraries as well as different search engines such as Google and CNN. For work I am required to use an online tool we call the Virtual Learning Center which allows us to be current on all the certifications needed to be an agent.

SOCIAL NETWORKS
The use of social networks is probably my favorite of all my learning connections. Discussion boards, blogs, Facebook, and MySpace allows me to just jump online and get different perspectives of people on issues that I am interested in. Along with the above mentioned social networks I also enjoy using instant messaging, email, text messaging, as well as face to face interactions. I hope you enjoyed looking into My Learning Connection!