As this second graduate course on Learning Theories and Technology draws to a close I must now reflect on what I have learned and how my views on learning have changed. First, in a nutshell, I have a learned a lot. There are so many theories and learning styles out there that it has become very challenging sorting them all out.

Initially, I found studying the various theories to be extremely difficult, and at times, overwhelming. And I have to admit that I started out with a negative view of the Constructivist Learning Theory. Why? Because I could not grasp the meaning of it. It actually took me several weeks to fully understand the tenets of constructivism. But my view of the theory has changed quite a bit as I have begun to embrace this theory’s tenets more and more. I have learned that we really do construct our own knowledge based on our prior knowledge, our experiences, our environment and potentially other things as well. I am still a believer, and an enthusiastic proponent of cognitivism, with its emphasis on the inner workings of the mind and information processing. But by adding constructivist learning to the mix, I can now see that my own individual learning is a rich and complex blend of theories, styles and intelligences.

Unlike the world in which I grew up, technology now plays a central role in learning. The internet, mobile devices, and software applications are only a few examples of how technology is transforming the learning process.

Take the internet, for example. The internet is not just for email anymore. You can do amazing research on the internet! Living in Chicago, Stanford University is a bit of a commute. However, I can access Stanford’s website, view class materials, instructor blogs, and possibly online lectures. Thanks to the internet, I can do all of this from my kitchen table.

Even Google is getting in on the research explosion. Yes, Google is a ridiculously popular search engine for anything from Sir Isaac Newton to apple pie. However, Google has also endeared itself to many a student via Google Books, a certain lifesaver in the face of impending deadlines. Google Books enables students to view text from books on their topic of choice - some even in their entirety!

Another unlikely source of scholarly learning is iTunes. I love iTunes! Where else can you check out Elvis’ new box collection and catch an MIT lecture on cosmology? After the MIT lecture, I can find an app that will help me find my next iPod at the cheapest price. Talk about one stop shopping.

Technology is great for gathering information, but is also an essential part of recording, formatting, and organizing information. Typewriters were an improvement, but computers were a quantum leap in recording and formatting information. There is even software that transforms the spoken word into text. . . as all the poor typists rejoice.

Ball point pens are obsolete. Why use a regular pen when you could be using a smart-pen, which records audio, synchs to your computer, and formats your written notes into an organized, searchable version? Every aspect of the learning process has been forever changed by technology.