Learning Theories

I have a special interest in building digital capacity among campus ITs, empowering them to function more as a coach rather than a fixer. On this hand, much of the professional learning I offer through my department is rooted in those skills. I hope to develop something that will help me with that goal. Educators in Humble ISD (and eventually beyond) are my target audience.

I typically take a constructivist approach to allow learners to make their own meaning, however there is a place for cognitivism in eLearning since there is less opportunity to monitor ambiguity that often comes with constructivism. Connectivism will be highly important, as this will be a digital learning opportunity. We are highly connected with information at our fingertips and eCourses allow us to take advantage of that.

Backwards design is of utmost importance when creating an eCourse. Without the understanding of where your learners need to be, it can quickly become a receptacle of articles, information, videos, etc. Students felt this during virtual learning as well. When given the opportunity to speak with students from our district, the biggest complaint was the perception of busy work, as well as the feeling that because they were not in person, that they were not as valued.

Hearing this directly from students’ mouths was so impactful and it made me relate to the way in which I present information to adults as well. I consider first “What is the point?” and then “Will this be worth their time?” Will the learners enrolled feel connected to the instructor and the other learners? Will the learning extend past the course? Are the activities designed in such a way that the participants are proud of them and invested in the result?

The majority of the courses I have designed thus far have been just a few hours long so I am excited to extend the learning over a 5-6 week period.