Learning Analysis
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School
Wilfrid Laurier University *
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Course
203
Subject
Communications
Date
Feb 20, 2024
Type
Pages
7
Uploaded by DukeJaguarMaster1027
1
Learning Analysis
In my journey through digital learning, I've found that certain skills and characteristics
have been pivotal to my success, and these align closely with the 4 C's—Critical Thinking,
Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity. One of the qualities I possess which has been key
to my digital learning experience is my ability to learn independently. I've always taken it upon
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myself to seek out the knowledge I need when provided with a lot of information. This is very
essential in an environment where there is endless information at my fingertips, and I have to
seek out the most relevant information—a manifestation of my commitment to "Critical
Thinking.". Additionally, when learning in an environment where it’s harder to gauge the
progress I’m making in comparison with other individuals, my ability to learn independently
helps me to do things in a timely manner. Secondly I possess strong thinking skills, which is an
embodiment of critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. This has been a driving force in
my educational experience, as I've consistently been able to tackle complex challenges, generate
unique ideas, and strategically adapt to new concepts and technologies. Finding new approaches
to problem-solving not only helps to keep me engaged and motivated, but it also helps me adapt
to new technologies, tools, and methodologies which are constantly emerging. Lastly, a
characteristic which I have developed working with a diverse group of people is being able to
adapt my communication method to best suit the the individual on the receiving end.This is very
relevant because teamwork and flexibility play a vital role in a digital learning environment,
especially when there is a constant need to collaborate virtually and across distances with other
individuals.
These characteristics have been instrumental in my digital learning journey, where ongoing
learning and collaborative knowledge management is paramount to success.
The learning theory that best suits my approach to learning in this online course is
Connectivism. It places a strong emphasis on the importance of establishing connections and
comprehending the dynamics of information flow, ultimately resulting in the generation of
knowledge that transcends the individual. Connectivism perceives learning as the skill to access
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significant streams of information and discern the ones that hold meaning. Within this theory,
decision-making is recognized as an integral part of the learning process.
Connectivism resonates with my learning experience in this course as I have actively engaged
with various nodes of information provided, including the course syllabus, news shared by the
instructor, content on myLS, Twitter, and lesson activities. In this context, all of these nodes are
linked to each other to form a network and by critically examining the information from all of
these sources, I have been able to construct my own learning experience. For instance, in lesson
3, I created my own learning experience using the resources provided by the instructor, which
included the lesson notes, a video and an exercise in multitasking. The multitasking exercise is
an example of simulation, which is an example of how connectivism is incorporated in the
classroom. Another way connectivism can be incorporated in a digital learning environment is
through social media. Social media platforms such as twitter and instagram may act as another
node in the network of information. Unlike the other nodes, social media content requires little to
no effort to be published therefore critical thinking is needed to determine what information is
accurate and relevant. However, the beauty of social media in relation to connectivism is the
aspect of multivocality which is the opportunity to encounter multiple perspectives. Seale (2010)
gives an example of how multivocality is essential to connectivism using the example of the
once popular blog “Confesssions of a College girl” . Seale (2010) states:
“Texts such as Confessions of a College Call Girl, when combined with others such as
peer
‐
reviewed women's studies journals, scholarly books on the subject of sex work,
mainstream media coverage of the investigation and resignation of Eliot Spitzer, and films
such as Pretty Woman, can help students ask questions about differences between the
knowledge produced in each location […] instead of searching for truth, facts, or
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authenticity, students encounter multivocality, the differential valuing of texts and voices,
and the power disparities that characterize knowledge production”.
Through this process of making connections and exploring various nodes of information, I am
able to take advantage of different modes of perception and deepen my understanding of the
course content.
Just as important as the learning method is the teaching method that aligns most with my
learning needs in a digital environment which is the agile design approach. Traditional course
structures often remain static over extended periods, even in the face of rapid global changes and
daily technological advancements. While it may be challenging to completely overhaul course
delivery within the short time given for course preparation, the agile design method allows for
the integration of new technologies into established course structures.
In my finance courses, especially when delving into topics like stocks and futures, the agile
design approach could be particularly beneficial. For instance, there are stock market simulations
available that provide a practical understanding of stock market operations, yet such resources
are not currently integrated into my courses. This highlights the potential for technology to
enhance learning, especially in a world characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and
ambiguity. The agile design approach ensures that educational content remains dynamic,
adapting to changing circumstances and embracing emerging technologies to improve the
learning experience.
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Furthermore, the learning environment I would love to see more in my classes is a flipped
classroom format. This hybrid learning format involves using a Learning Management System
like D2L to deliver the lecture asynchronously and then getting together in person to discuss the
lecture. This environment provides students with the opportunity to reflect on their learning
while receiving feedback from peers and an instructor. Research conducted by P. Roehling. and
C. Bredow. highlights the effectiveness of flipped learning. It allows students to solidify
foundational knowledge before attending class, reducing the cognitive load during in-person
sessions. This, in turn, enables students to establish deeper connections and foster more intricate
ideas (Roehling and Bredow, 2021).
Moreover, the lecture-based online learning format aligns with my learning style. I find
asynchronous learning to be most effective for me because it taps into my ability to learn
independently. As a university student I have to balance different courses with other
non-academic commitments, therefore pre-recorded lectures allow me to study the material at a
time that suits me, ensuring that I can grasp the content thoroughly, while effectively filtering by
the information I believe is most useful for me. The subsequent in-class discussions then provide
an opportunity for engagement, clarification, and collaboration with fellow students. This
bi-modal teaching method strikes the right balance, catering to my need for structure through
pre-recorded lectures and organized modules, while giving me the creative freedom to reorganize
the information in a way that best suits my learning preferences.
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References
Roehling, P., & Bredow, C. (2021, September 28).
Flipped learning: What is it, and when is it
effective?
. Brookings.
https://www.brookings.edu/articles/flipped-learning-what-is-it-and-when-is-it-effective/
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Seale, M. (2010). Information Literacy Standards and the Politics of Knowledge Production:
Using User-Generated Content to Incorporate Critical Pedagogy. Retrieved 2023,.
Western Governors University. (2021, May 27).
Connectivism learning theory
. Western
Governors University.
https://www.wgu.edu/blog/connectivism-learning-theory2105.html#close