After a few weeks of learning more about learning theories and learning styles, my view of how I learn has not changed, but I do have a better understanding of why I learn the way I do. Learning theories also help identify how learning is influenced (Ertmer & Newby, 1993). Michael Orey (2001) discussed in detail how important information processing is to learning in Information Processing. Short-tem memory and long-term memory serves as an internal learning computer and is affected by sensory registers such as sight, smell, and taste.
I have challenges retaining information and a particularly flawed short term memory, and I have learned why these issues affect my learning preference. Retaining information and transferring it to long term memory can be accomplished through an encoding process (Ormrod, Schunk, & Gredler, 2009). In this encoding process I give information meaning and link it to information that I already know. Once the information is connected to my working memory and given memory, it can them be transferred to my long term memory. What is even more intriguing is that the information has to be meaningful to me in order for it to go through this process. Schema development supports knowledge retention (Ormrod et al., 2009). Before learning more about learning theories I did not know why I can only remember information that meaning was applied to, but simple repetition does not work for me. Semantic processing supports recall (Ormrod et al., 2009) and recall capabilities are correlated to the method used to store information.
Technology is influential to my learning because without it, learning would be very challenging for me. Learning as a self-directed adult learner, the technology of the Internet, social media, and online learning provides a thriving learning environment for me. Online learning provides a socially interactive learning environment for me which is supported by constructivists who believe active social interaction is imperative to learning (Ormrod et al., 2009). Technology has made learning much more interactive and straightforward because it can create a learning platform that can supply endless knowledge. These platforms include computers, mobile phones, and learning management systems which can all be used to search for information.
References:
Ertmer, P. A., & Newby, T. J. (1993). Behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism: Comparing critical features from an instructional design perspective. Performance Improvement Quarterly, 6(4), 50–71.
Orey, M. (2001). Information processing. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology.
Ormrod, J., Schunk, D., & Gredler, M. (2009). Learning theories and instruction (Laureate custom edition). New York: Pearson. Chapter 1, “Overview” (pp. 1–16)