Ed 5103 Reflection: Conclusion

Reflection

This website has been created as part of Education 5103. It is a personal reflection of what I have learned from this course. This course was spread over a 13 week period. The first nine weeks were devoted to the exploration of the different ID models that are available for use by teachers to promote learning. The following is an itemization of the topics covered over the pass thirteen weeks.

Week 1 and 2: Learning Theories in the Context of Software Integration/Information Technology.
Week 3: Learning Theories - Mindtools and Cognitive Flexibility Theory.
Week 4: Comparing the Theories of Mindtools and Cognitive Flexibility.
Week 5: How Learning Theory affects software Integration and Instructional Design.
Week 6: Introduction to Instructional Design Concepts.
Week 7: ID Model Components: Part I
Week 8: ID Model Components: Part II
Week 9: Inspection and critique of a particular Information Technology Instructional Design model.
Week 11: The Future of ID in Instructional Technology

Throughout this course we have examined many different Instructional Design Models and how they can be used in the area of Information Technology. We also looked at the different ID models with respect to the learning theories they incorporate. Three learning theories have been discussed throughout this course. They include the theories of behaviourism, constructivism, and congnitivism. This course provided insight and a better understanding of these three theories. From my interpretation of the material covered, constructivism seems to the theory of choice when applied to ID models.

Over the past 13 weeks, I have spent a considerable amount of time looking at learning theories, Instructional Design Models and the integration of technology into the curriculum. The ID models discussed in this course are a good introduction to the different ID models that are available for teachers to use. With the availability of different types of software and other teaching aids (i.e. smartboards) the possibilities are seemingly endless when it comes to how technology can be used to enhance student learning. Combining the three learning theories, technology and ID models, teachers are able to reach a wider range of students by offering them many different ways to learn. One of the biggest problems that I see facing teachers today is picking just the right one. No two students learn in exactly the same manner, so by using the concepts discussed throughout this course, teachers may foster a much more diverse learning community.

One additional aspect that I personally feel would add a whole new dimension to this course would be actually developing a lesson to use in the classroom based on the ID models discussed throughout this course. The process of actually applying what we have learned in this course would be very beneficial to all those involved.