Reading about all the different learning styles has not changed my view of how I learn at all. I had to do a study in my undergrad on the same ideas and my ideas have not been effected at all by this course. I currently do not believe my view has change from then although almost 6 years ago studying these same theories. I do think the only difference was given the freedom to learn what was needed and not having it forced to believe what the professor believed.
Although I reread every theory, and attempted to apply it to my life and thoughts, many did not apply.  I strongly believe in multiple intelligences and right brain left brain theories. This also includes whole brain thoughts.  As a child that uses both hands, i am a strong believer in whole brain theory.  According to Sperry's research the brain is split into two sides with each having specialties. These specialties are split between languages to emotions and how to read emotions. These ideas fall along the lines of many individuals (Morris 2007). I have students in my own classrooms over the years that have fallen directly into these categories. I also fall into many of these categories and how they interact. Although, I can read emotions clearly, I struggle with geometric mathematics.
As for technology, over the years technology has become a huge part of my learning, from using my smart phone for calendar, memory, email, and other gps, my kindle for reading, or the internet for research, technology is everyday in my learning and daily life. I am also a blogger for my classroom, use digital camera and video camera. Technology also is important for education to stay connected with students. Students want the latest and newest thing, its part of the ever changing world.



References:

Armstrong, Thomas (2010) Multiple Intelligences Retrieved from: http://www.thomasarmstrong.com/multiple_intelligences.php

Morris, Rich (2007) Left Brain, Right Brain, Whole Brain? An examination into the theory of brain lateralization, learning styles, and the implications of education. Retrieved from http://www.singsurf.org/brain/rightbrain.php

Connectivism Reflection

Technology has changed my entire life. When in high school, the internet became the newest thing. I couldn't wait to download music, email friends, talk on instant messaging.

Sometimes for the good and something for the bad technology has changed the world. Many times I stand in a store and hear a cell phone ring. There is always someone talking very loudly and I cringe. I think back when there was peace in a store. As a cringe, I realize many times this is also me. My husband will call with something else, or a parent with a need.

With technology changing in that way for the way, for the good technology has allowed me to connect with others across the country to learn. I also read faster because I use my kindle to read books and saves me time then searching hours at a book store. I still head to a book store at times but many times I run to my computer and log onto amazon.com and find the newest book. I think digital tools that best help with my learning are my computer (internet, word, etc) and my kindle. I find myself craving to read. I guess with technology I should also include my smart phone. The smart phone has allowed me to make a schedule to continue my education.

With technology, my knowledge is also used through text messaging. From a phone it is also possible to google through text messaging. It is useful when looking for a phone number or a place.

My own knowledge expands through communication and finding supporting articles through the internet. As a mother, I do not always have the time to head to a library to look through endless articles for answer. The connections to knowledge expand from google feed reader to facebook. I also expand and have discussions with other mothers on babycenter. To continue my connection to my students I often check celebrity websites to keep up with the things my students like to discuss. My husband is an avid craiglist fan, so I also have to upload photos and research items he wants to purchase.

“The internet functions according to a different sequence of rules, guidelines, codes of conduct, and points of value then does the physical world. A necessary reorganization is underway, resulting in new metaphors of learning and existence as a whole” (Siemens 2006)

With that being said, technology is here to stay and will continue to develop our learning environments.

Siemens, George (2006) Connectivism: Learning Theory or Pastime for the Self-Amused. November 12, 2006: http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/connectivism_self-amused.htm Retrieved April 2, 2011.