Core Interest

As a UWIOC graduate student and for the purposes of this E-portfolio and my Design Project, my core interests are Constructivism, Andragogy, E-learning and Self-Directed Learning.

Constructivism

Constructivism is rooted in experiential and self-directed learning. As an Instructional Designer I need to understand my learners’ prior knowledge and interests (Arshavskiy, 2014).

Andragogy

The theory of Andragogy is quite common in online learning environments, because it goes on the premise that adults are internally motivated, have more experience ,are goal-oriented, and  must have a need for learning. It also states that adults are relevancy-oriented, are practical and can have a task-centered orientation to learning .Finally adults like to be respected but more importantly adults like to be self-directed(Arshavskiy,2014).

E-Learning

Asynchronous E-Learning is self-paced. It allows learners to go through courses at their pace and at their convenience. Asynchronous E-Learning tools are forums, blogs, and webcasts and for these reasons it’s mainly used with adult learners. As a graduate student E-Learning was accessed through many different forms of media during the programme. E-Learning is an effective method of delivering and receiving education (Arshavskiy, 2014).

As I researched my core interest I found the term Self-Directed learning being mentioned and I have to include that in my core interest and reflect upon it.

Self-Directed Learning

Having participated in this distance learning program I have become acquainted with Self-Directed learning .It allowed me to be an independent learner, it allowed freedom in how, when, and where I  learn and train. In self-directed learning, individuals formulate their own learning requirements; establish personal learning goals, while recognizing appropriate resources and strategies; understand their own particular learning styles; and, through evaluation, determine whether they achieved their learning goals (Pedraza-Nafziger, 2015).

Professionally

I do view myself as a Self-Directed distance learner. I possess the motivational traits needed to fulfill my long-term goals of becoming and Instructional Designer and an Online Instructor. Taking ownership of my own learning was essential to being successful in achieving my long-term goals.Self-Directed learning can be enhanced in E-Learning of adults by applying critical thinking skills throughout the learning process (Pedraza-Nafziger, 2015). Reviewing what I have learned, critiquing feedback from my classmates, compare and contrasting information, defending my position on a topic, and drawing conclusions. . Who knew this was the core of my passion, the essence of my being, why I yearned to study this way. I experienced all of this in discussion forums first hand for The MSc IDT Programme.

This programme has forced me to re-evaluate my institution and its management based on my knowledge of models and since doing this programme I am proud to say we conducted a needs assessment and SWOT Analysis follow the ADDIE Model layout. Since I was exposed to co-operative learning, inquiry and discovery learning and scaffolding; all within an online environment in my course of study .Exposure discussion forum  , experiencing various types questioning, scaffolding and problem solving in many cases I asked “So What”, what does that mean what is the next step how knowing that will make a difference to the problem. I felt empowered to share my wealth of significant and in-depth knowledge with my colleagues.

I endeavour to make my design very learner-centred. To develop a reflective and individualized approach to training and design, make use of effective use of media resources and modern technology, implement the curriculum in a coherent and integrated manner, and demonstrate a greater competency in any learning environment learning has moved away from direct instruction toward and be a guide on the side in my work environment guided discovery.

The more a learner analyzes what they have learned, the more they understand it and are able to relate it to other knowledge acquired. To achieve Self-Directed learning the learner must be exposed to the latest user-friendly technology to research and collaborate, establishing long-term foundation of goals, and reviewing and improving areas as needed. Implementing these strategies will ensure lifelong learning success in whatever field a student may choose (Pedraza-Nafziger, 2015). As a learner being part of this programme, being a distance learner, being taught the concepts of Instructional Design and exposed to them first hand I can only be successful.

References

Arshavskiy, Marina (2014). Instructional Design for ELearning: Essential guide to creating successful eLearning courses.

Pedraza-Nafziger, Patricia (2015). Teaching Adult Students Online: A Corporate Geek Girl's Journal (Distance Learning Book 2) (p. 74).