As I reflect on how my view of learning has change I feel I have a better understanding of how I learn. Prior to taking this class I thought I only possessed one type of learning style or intelligence. As an undergraduate student we learned there were different learning modalities and it was important to incorporate them in the classroom for the students. There are three basic ways we process information: Visually, auditorally, and kinesthetic (hands on). It was through this process that I realized that I use all of the modalities to learn but visual is the most effective style of learning for me. I still support this statement and believe it to be true. My view on how I learn has changed to a certain degree. According Felder et al. (2002), “people have different learning styles that are reflected in different academic strengths, weaknesses, skills, and interests. Understanding learning style differences is thus an important step in designing balanced instruction that is effective for all students” (p. 3). There are several models of learning styles that are currently being used to assess how students learn. Using these assessments will facilitate in understanding how learning styles fluctuate within a specific context.” This statement has radically changed they way I learn, and how I will design material. I realized that individuals can have different learning styles depending upon the content that they are learning.

The information that I have learned over the past couple of weeks about learning styles and theories has heightened my awareness of the various learning styles and how they could be detrimental if not used properly. There could be drawbacks to categorizing students in a particular learning style. “However, one person can have several learning styles relative to a specific course or subject. On the other hand, when the objectives change, the learning style may also change.” Gilbert, J., & Swanier, C. (2008). If an instructor or designer is not aware of this a learner might not have the opportunity to learn the material. I will always consider this statement on my quest to providing learners with the highest quality of instruction. In designing material I think it is pivotal that we find balance when designing material. It is important to appeal to the various learning styles but keeping in mind that they can change depending on the content. I really hate to sound so redundant because these were points I mentioned in my post last week. I mentioned them this week due to their relevance to the questions.
Technology plays a huge role in my learning. I remember as a child owning a set of encyclopedias. I thought this was the best invention because the information was condensed in all of those huge books. Today the computer is our encyclopedia. The computer serves as my source to finding all of my information. For me the computer has replaced newspapers, the television, and the library. I use the computer to create documents, banking, and obtain an education.
So you see technology plays a major role in my learning.

Reference:
Gardner, H. (2003, April 21). Multiple intelligences after 20 years. Paper presented to the American Educational Research Association, Chicago, IL. Retrieved from http://www.pz.harvard.edu/PIs/HG_MI_after_20_years.pdf

Gilbert, J., & Swanier, C. (2008). Learning styles: How do they fluctuate? Institute for Learning Styles Journal [Vol. l]. Retrieved from http://www.auburn.edu/~witteje/ilsrj/Journal%20Volumes/Fall%202008%20Volume%201%20PDFs/Learning%20Styles%20How%20do%20They%20Fluctuate.pdf