REFLECTION

I have learnt cognitive information processing theory before starting this course but not in so deep. In this course I learnt about the two store model (Dual coding model). This model incorporates the idea of stages of processing. It is furthered my knowledge about how people learn.

Another interesting point is applying behaviorist principles to classroom management. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) also known as behavior modification, behavior therapy. ABA is based on the assumption that serious problem behaviors are the result of pass and present response. It involves the application of a variety of behaviorist concepts (reinforcement, shaping, cueing, extinction, punishment ect.) to create an environment more conducive to productive behaviors.

There is another interesting part. It is Keller’s ARCS (Attention, Relevance, confidence and Satisfaction) model to motivate online learners. Furthermore, I gained the knowledge of how adult people are learning, how their learning occur. Much of adult learning occurs in a corporate environment involving a variety of training process.




I am an adult learner. As an adult learner, I must understand about the andragogy. Andragogy describe the adult learner as someone who;
• Has an independent self concept and who can direct his/her own learning.
• Has accumulated a reservoir of life experiences that is a rich resource for learning.
• Has learning needs closely related to changing social roles.
• Is problem centered and interested in immediate application of knowledge.
• Is motivated to learn by internal rather than external factors.

Malcolm Knowles used these principles to propose a program for the design, implementation and evaluation of adult learning. After understanding of those principles I reflect about my own learning process. Actually, it is very closer to those principles.

Not only that I have learnt in this course four learning theories related to adult learning. They are Action Learning, Experiential Learning, Self Directed Learning and Project Based Learning. I understood what are the advantages and disadvantages of each theory and according to those pros and cons I can use most effective learning theory relevant to the situation.

In addition to that the connectivism theory improved my personal learning process. Siemens, (2005) stated that what we consider to be right today may tomorrow be considered wrong. So then the connectivism is the leading learning theory of the time. According to that now I have many learning networks than I had before. It is also deepened my personal learning process.



All learning theories describe about how to create an effective learning environment in the classroom. It may be face to face, distance or online. Learning theories explain how does learning occur? What factors influence learning? how does transfer occur? Ect. Those are closely related with the learning styles. An instructional designer with a good understanding of learning theories and learning styles can be able to use technology effectively to create effective and efficient instructions.

Moreover, specially, in the online learning environment technology can be used to motivate the learners. In a face to face classroom environment instructor have lot of advantages in terms of how they can motivate students. Getting them physically involved in hands on activities may get them engaged with the lesson, and the face to face contacts, the smiles, the body language; all these kinds of things can be used to motivate students. But in an online learning environment we must use so many strategies to motivate our online learners. Technology can be effectively used for that. Therefore I believe Technology can do more significant role for each of the four elements of the Keller’s ARCS model to motivate learners successfully.




I am an instructional designer for face to face classroom teachers but not in online classes or distance learning environment. However during the last six, seven weeks I was learning various learning theories, various learning styles of learners and how can we motivate them and what kind of technology we can use in the field of instructional design. I believe that my knowledge of those areas will help me to develop my career.

Always I consider about the learners motivation but I have never given a special attention on the learning styles of the learner. Actually my learning of this course increases my knowledge of individual learning styles and I believe I could be able to design instructions by giving more attention for learners learning styles in future.

Furthermore, I think the knowledge about Keller’s ARCS model to motivate learners is also help me to plan/create effective instructions. In that model it explains what kind of strategies must be used to get the learners active participation from beginning to end of the learning process.