Adult leaner become smarter.

Even though online learner is not the same as a classroom, I attempted to create a classroom setting with technology. I enjoy sitting in a classroom setting participating in with students and the teacher. Online learning is flexible for a workaholic like me working as a teacher. The day consists of teaching high school students during the school day and adults in evening school. My primary purpose for enrolling in instructional design is to become a better teacher. As an adult learner, I have changed my learning style in an online format.


I realized using technology could simulate classroom learning in multiple ways. It cannot replace sitting in a classroom of adult learners and an instructor. In a classroom my preferred style of learning is direct instruction. Direct instruction allows speaking, reading and listening for an adult learner in a majority of grad classes. In missing a traditional setting, technology has helped bridge the gap. Today, adult learners can access videos from websites watching presentations about a topic. The information may come from an instructor or a student. This helps to simulate a classroom lecture for my auditory learning style. During the video, I take notes like a did during a lecture.

In reading assignments, I still use techniques learned in high school. I highlighting main ideas and supporting facts occasionally stopping to review the material. After a long day, my mind is scattered and review helps me encode topics. Reading, listening and watching the information helps me encode the information. Using these three intelligences is better than one. I miss speaking with other students in discussion for further clarity. I do this by posting questions or thoughts in a chat section of the class. Online learning is different for everyone. It offers an opportunity for adult learners to continue their education without drastic sacrifices to their lifestyles.

Personal Connectivism

My personal learning network is diverse with students, colleagues, family, friends, classmates using multiple forms of communication. In addition, I incorporate books and notes. Online courses are a challenge with the intensity of reading and writing. All questions and answers require writing. I am becoming more proficient reading and writing. Written communication in all its forms is limited in emotion without adjectives. Although written communication can become misinterpreted, assuming the person receiving the written communication does understand what you are stating. Writing to new people, I do not assume they understand what I am attempting to express and overwrite my statements. Online courses demand a type of writing that is void of adjectives.


In online courses, my method of learning new information changes. My goal learning new material is to become proficient. First, I read the assignments and resources. If I am not familiar with the information, I will proceed with Wikipedia. After I use Google search. I scan the various websites and journals and select multiple websites. I study websites but then explore the online journals. Recently, I began using video sites such as Podcast and U tube in learning new information. Learning from videos is a new concept but I simulates classroom setting for me. It’s like direct instruction. The presenter and me taking notes. I wish I could raise my hand and ask questions instead I stop and rewind. In doing this I am able to encode the information faster. If I am still not confident in the assignment, I post questions and read other students responses. This gives me a base of information.

As an adult learner, I am learning to adapt new learning strategies with technology. Purchasing textbooks and highlighters, and traditional outlines is old school and one form of learning. Today I am adapt with the tools in education. I use graphic organizers, search the web, and email and use my students to learn new technology. My PLN is expanding with the web. I communicate with people I may never meet due to geography.

The limitations of PLN are how intelligent is your PLN. Am I getting proficient knowledge from my PLN.? Unlike certain subjects, answers I am seeking are advice based. My life is based on decisions whether at my job or personal life. After gathering the various viewpoints to a topic, I make a decision. After the decisions is made I live with the consequences. Today my learning is not like math equation where one answer is absolute.

How I learn as an adult learner