Since learning more about different learning theories and learning strategies, I think I have stuck to how I previously thought I learn best, with a few new considerations and learning styles. I have always viewed myself as a visual learner with kinesthetic learning behaviors mixed in. I think since learning more about learning styles and learning theories, I think I have a better understanding of why I learn in those ways the best. I think most of my teaching and comprehension of learning is based on cognitive and connectivism learning styles. I understand that learning cognitively has a focus on acquisition and retention of knowledge. Connectivism has a focus on collaboration and social impacts of learning. I have I know that the easiest way for me to learn is through reading and reflection. I also like to collaborate with my peers in one way or another. I think that these learning theories have a big impact on how I learn because being a visual learner; you need a good mix of both theories to drive your learning.
Also though research I have also found that I learn differently because I am an adult learner. For me there should be two different categories of adult learners. The technology immigrants and the technology natives, for me however I am not sure which I am. I have always said that I grew up in early high school and late middle school when technology (other than computers), were just starting to make their appearance
e in schools. I think of myself as not too bad with new technology when it is presented to me, but I am definitely far from someone that knows it all or feels like I grew up with it. Because of this learning is different for me that it would be for someone in high school now, or even in college undergrad. This is something that I will consider from now on when I think of my learning style.
Technology plays a large role in my life. Because the internet is more widely available than in previous generations, I think it plays a large role in everyone’s learning. Technology makes it so, we are always learning and are lifelong learners. In other generations, lifelong learning required a lifelong membership and patronage at your local library, but that is not the case anymore. Now days you can learn a great deal of new information right on social media or while browsing trending topics while accessing your email. This influx of information makes it easier for us to learn and continue to learn, which in turn will make us more open to new ideas and better equipped to adapt to changing dynamics whether it be in work, family life, or school.
