1) The document discusses the author's learning preferences and pathway for a class on using technology to maximize learning potential. The author scored balanced across learning preferences and chose the Learning Sage pathway to learn about a wide range of technologies. 2) The author discusses three technologies - screencasts, multimedia, and games/MMOs - and how they appeal to the author's visual and active learning preferences. The author provides examples of using these technologies outside the class. 3) By investigating different technology options, the author feels they have learned about various technologies that could be useful for their academic career, even if all are not used. The author's lifestyle also improved through a class activity, enhancing their learning.

1. SYNTHESIS PROJECT
By Quynh Nhu Nguyen
ITEC299

2. My reasons for taking this class:

I was initially interested in taking this class
because of the title: “How 2 Lrn w ur iPod.”
What motivated me to take this class was the
idea of learning about different types of
technology that can help maximize my learning
potential.

3. Learning Preferences

4. Learning Preferences

My scores for the Learning Preference Survey were fairly balanced.
−
Active/Reflective, I scored a 3 towards Active which means I learn
better when I am actively doing something with the information.
−
Sensual/Intuitive, I scored a 1 towards Intuitive which means I
learn better when there is less memorization involved. However,
since I only scored a 1 in this category, I can be both a sensual and
intuitive learner depending on the information and situation.
−
Visual/Verbal, I scored a 1 towards Visual. Again, since I scored a 1,
I can both be a visual or verbal learner but I tend to learn a little bit
better when I can see the information in a visual representation.
−
Sequential/Global, I scored a 1 towards Global. I can be both a
sequential or global learner.

5. Learning Preferences

It is important to know your personal learning preferences
in order to take advantage of what learning style works
best for you. After taking the survey, I feel that I am more
aware on what learning style works best for me. For the
most part, the survey was pretty accurate in identifying my
personal learning preference. If I were to take the survey
again, I think my scores will remain mostly the same. If
there was any change, it would be very insignificant.

6. Learning Pathway: Sage

7. Learning Pathway: Sage

At the beginning of the class, I chose the Learning Sage
Pathway which means I want to learn about a wide
range of technologies instead of focusing on a few. I had
high hopes for this class because I wanted to learn
more about technologies that may improve my
learning. I feel that certain technologies work better
than others depending on the subject. I wanted to have
a wide variety of technologies to choose from
depending on the subject and situation.

8. Learning Pathway: Sage


I think the Level 1 Quizzes helped me the most in
contributing to my ability in regards to my learning
pathway. The quizzes taught me the basics of each
technology.
The Level 2 Activity helped me get a deeper understanding
of the technology. I had to actively use the technology and
evaluate if they work with my learning style. This helped me
filter out the technologies that did not work for me and
allows me to see which technologies did work for me.

9. 1 : Screencasts
st

Screencasts appeals to my visual and verbal learning
preferences. I scored a 1 towards visual which puts me into
a position where I can learn both verbally and visually
although I tend to learn better visually. The visual
representation of the information in the screencasts helped
me a lot. The verbal explanation that accompanied the
visual representation was also great. For my own learning
outside of class, I use KhanAcademy.org to learn about
various subjects.

10. 2 : Multimedia
nd

Multimedia is a combination of different forms of media
such as text, video, audio, graphics, and animation. I use
multimedia everyday. When I want to know more about a
specific topic, I use the internet to find more information.
The internet is an example of multimedia. Overall,
multimedia has played a large role in my learning for as
long as I can remember. As a child, I loved watching
documentaries on television, which is also an example of
multimedia.

11. 3 : Games and MMOGs
rd


Games and MMOGs appeals to my visual and active learning
preferences because Games and MMOGs requires the player
to actively interact with the game. As a result, the player is
forced to use their initial knowledge and the information
they have acquired in order to make educated decisions that
can lead to positive outcomes.
For my own learning, I have been using anatomyarcade.com
to learn more about the human body. I am taking anatomy
and this website helped supplement my learning. The
games on anatomy arcade are not only fun but also
informative. I'm having fun and learning at the same time.

12. Experience with Different Technologies

After investigating the different technology
quests, I feel that I have learned a lot about
various types of technologies. Even if I do not
use all of the technologies over the course of
my academic career, they are options that are
still available for me to use when necessary.

13. Physiological Factors

Before this class, I lived an unhealthy lifestyle. I slept late, ate badly,
and did not exercise. However, after doing the Level 3 activity for
Physiology of Learning, I have seem tremendous improvement. For
the Level 3 activity, I had to modify my diet, exercise, and sleeping
habits. Now, I sleep at least 8 hours a day, cut out junk/”bad” food,
and exercise at least 5 times a week. As a result, I now live a pretty
healthy lifestyle and the positive effects of this has made me more
active and alert. Along with those improvements, my memory has
significantly improve and I am able to grasp concepts faster than
before.

14. Future

I will continue to use the technologies I have learned in this
class for future classes. For example, I will continue to use
screencasts to supplement my learning. I am now aware of my
learning preferences and I will use this knowledge to maximize
my learning potential for the rest of my academic career. I will
also continue to live a healthy lifestyle as long as possible,
although certain outside factors may interfere, in order to keep
my memory and cognitive skills strong.

15. Overall Experience

Overall, I enjoyed being a Learning Sage. I
have learned a lot about various technologies
and I feel that these technologies will help me
tremendously in the long run. I am now aware
of the different ways of learning and that
everyone's personal learning style is different. I
am also aware of my own personal learning
style.