Learning is lifelong....Self Selected Blog #2

Here I am again, reflecting on what I have learned. Learning is lifelong and I must say, I have already learned a tremendous amount of information regarding online teaching. It is truly an asset to have this knowledge! I have already begun to incorporate techniques into my courses.

Socrates questioned everything and everyone he came in contact with. It has been said that through this type of inquiry, the truth can be found. Like Socrates, I too recognize my own ignorance.

As a result of this course, at least up to this point, I have learned that in order to be an effective educator, there are many facets that must be understood. The learner, technology, the environment, the stage, learning styles, and learning theories….AHH…learning theories did you say? I am not quite sure why this particular topic was a struggle for me, but I think I have narrowed it down.

As I went back and re-read the assignment and associated readings, it started to become clearer. After receiving great feedback from my instructors and other students in the class, it was identified that I was mixing two concepts: Learning Theories and Learning Styles. So, what I believe was happening, was that I was so comfortable with mastering learning styles, that I did not want to leave it behind (smile).

I challenged myself to gain a deeper understanding of the learning theories and was surprised at what I found. I happened upon this wonderful website that basically described each type of learning theory and how it effects curriculum development. http://www.learning-theories.com/

Not only did I gain a better understanding, but I was also able to identify with one of the theorist: Jean Lave, who has been given credit for the “situated learning theory”. As a nursing instructor, this theory closely relates to how I have to deliver the content of the course in order for students to gain a meaningful knowledge base to function in the medical arena. I am very confident that my final blog posting will be just as exciting as this one… so stay tuned!