I used Articulate 360 (Rise 360) to build a short course to review what was learned in the project based learning on "Creating An Airline using FARs." The trainees were given an opportunity to be creative, collaborate and actively participate in building an idea. Reasoning and justification for the safety measures being put in place will help the trainees understand the importance of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) they will enact on a daily basis as flight attendants.
Again, I used this platform for the following reasons.
1. The platform is very clear, clean and pleasant to look at. It provides a relaxing experience for the learner because of the template fonts, colors and transitions between slides. When learners are on computers completing trainings, they should be given a good experience, even if their learning is still up to them.
2. The opportunity to present information in various ways is essential. Just because an adult learner is taking charger of their own learning, does not mean they do not have preferences in their approach to learning. Some may want to read all of the information. Some may want to be quizzed frequently. Some need behavioral tools that offer rewards or gamification. This platform provides it.
3. The ability to record evaluations and allow retesting immediately. It is important that learners correct their mistakes or relearn information that is pertinent to their future. I really enjoy the visual graphics of what the learner has not passed and the ability to retest.
As I reflect on this whole experience, I realized how much I have used each learning theory in my teaching and while learning. Due to my very structured upbringing in music, the behaviorist theory is very comfortable for me. As I mentioned in my reflections, learners need to be taught how to teach themselves. When I had unyielding band directors, who did not accept mediocre music, I had to go home and practice until I got the music right. I did not want the consequences of being a low performer. "Operant conditioning is a method of learning that occurs through rewards and punishments for behavior. Through operant conditioning, an individual makes an association between a particular behavior and a consequence (Skinner, 1938)."
I can honestly say I am thankful for that conditioning due to the competitive nature of performance. As a beginner, there is not much background knowledge to pull from such as using a constructionist theory. Aspects of Andragogy, which works for adult learners, would hinder progress when a group is depending on you to stay on pace.
However, I can say that Cognitivism is very useful in imitation and observing while a improving technique and starts early on in music training. This relates to Bandura's social modeling. Gradual shaping definitely happens when a student picks a favorite artist to mimic until they find a style of their own.
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Truly all of these theories will be necessary at some point in musical training, which is the learning experience nearest and dearest to me. There are times when I needed to be held to a standard and needed external motivation. However, there came a time when my success was not due to anyone else but myself and solely used intrinsic motivation. I have learned from others and collaborated on projects, I have researched and idolized others talents. All of these experiences and learning theories shaped me into the musician I am today, which makes me the multi-dimensional educator that I am today.
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Bandura, A (2005) The evolution of cognitivist theory. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
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Skinner, B. F. (1938). The behavior of organisms: An experimental analysis. New York: Appleton-Century.