Reflection on EDUC 6115

This class was beneficial to me in a variety of ways, and not just within this new program that I am pursuing. What I initially found striking was that the information regarding the learning theories coincided directly with when I was starting my side position as an ESL teacher for kids across the globe. I had just completed a TESOL certificate with the company, which also talked about learning theories. It felt like a lightbulb moment, as if I was absolutely in the right place at the right time. That has helped my motivation for the course significantly.

            Another thing I found striking was the information about multiple intelligences. I had learned about multiple intelligences during my master’s program 10 years ago, but I honestly don’t remember learning that they were “capacities” and not types. Of course, that was 10 years ago, and I have learned a lot since then, so maybe now was when I was truly ready to learn it.

            In terms of my personal learning, I have a few ways of reflecting on it. As I mentioned, my master’s program was 10 years ago. That was also my first experience with online discussion boards, which I didn’t find useful at the time. In particular, I remember in one of my courses, we were learning about student development theory (probably Kegan or Perry) and a professor stating, “when students are at a certain level, there’s no point for discussion boards, they just sit around and share ignorance!”. Maybe that tainted my view of discussion boards. Maybe I was still too young and inexperienced. But now, I get it. Now that I’m an “adult learner” and have some prior knowledge and experience (even if it isn’t in instructional design), I have more I can contribute. And I can learn from my colleagues. This has given me a new-found appreciation for discussion boards.

            Additionally, I’ve come a long way in terms of how I view technology. Ten years ago, I would have thought technology and online courses were pointless (brainwashed into traditional Student Affairs and higher education). But now, having experience both learning online, learning about learning online, and also working for an online school, I can see that the benefits of technology are endless for many adult learners everywhere.

            I am so glad that this course comes first in the certificate program. I tend to be one of those people who ignore the background information and just try to dive in. But I know that I also miss a lot when trying to just “do” without knowing “why”. This class provides that background information that an instructional designer needs to think about when creating a course. It’s not just about nice graphics and design, it’s knowing your learners and what works.