This document discusses the author's learning preferences based on an assessment they took. They scored highest in visual and sequential preferences. Throughout the document, the author explores how they use different technologies like social bookmarking sites, smartphones, tablets, and microblogs to enhance their learning based on their preferences. They found technologies helped improve their organization, ability to access materials visually, and learn actively and sequentially through sharing information. The author believes technologies will continue to be beneficial learning tools that address all learning preferences without limitations.

1. Ibarr deGracia

2.  At the beginning of the class, I scored (3) active, (7) sensing,
(11) visual, and (5) sequential. I already expected my visual
score to be fairly high and my sensing to be well above
average. I’ve always been able to grasp various concepts in
my courses much more efficiently through images,
diagrams, charts, and films. I still feel this way at the end of
the class- and I actually think I feel even stronger about my
visual preferences when it comes to learning seeing that I
was able to observe this throughout the course. Overall, I
realized that my sequential and visual preferences really
stood out above the rest considering that I learn best when
everything is an organized manner. Looking over these
preferences has changed the way I study, do homework, or
take notes because it exposes the various ways I want to
learn.

3.  Although I could’ve really chosen any of the 3 learning pathways,
I felt that I really needed to improve my technological knowledge,
therefore making me a Learning Sage. One thing I had a problem
with is organization and planning, and I pondered if technology
would be essential for this. Of course, I did find multiple ways to
solve this problem, such as using Delicious to save bookmarks for
essays/projects (to organize all my sources). Although I didn’t
change my pathway, if I did, it would definitely be Learning
Warrior. I find myself using my phone in different classes to
organize, plan, and take notes- which has been a highly beneficial
since I’m not a big fan of buying organizers/planners. I was able
to download different apps to utilize my learning and help me
study. For example, I was using my phone as flash cards to study
for my Kinesiology Peak Performance course, which I never
thought in a million years I would do. However, I was able to look
at these flash cards wherever I went without having to carry
actual flash cards in my pocket. This can be used in almost any
course in the future.

4.  In the course, I was able to experiment with different
techniques on how to improve my learning. Like previously
stated, one of the strategies I used was the social
bookmarking site, Delicious, to store all my resources and
links. I was able to create different folders for specific links.
For example, I was required to write a 10-page research
paper for my KIN489 class, which had to include 5 primary
sources and 5 secondary sources. I went through almost
over 40 different websites and journals, and had trouble
going backtracking which resources were most helpful.
Whenever I came across a useful source, I would save that
link in my ‘KIN489 research paper’ folder, therefore giving
me the ability to go back and view the page again without
having to go through the search process.

5.  The ipods/mp3 quest really exposed various ways we
can learn without using the traditional written notes of
pen and paper. We now have the ability to download
different apps that can help us learn various languages
or even study using flashcards, without having actual
flashcards. I’m sure everyone can agree that using
these mobile devices definitely has an effect of visual
preferences, seeing that the device itself can display
images, videos, and different interactive slides, which
is something your notebook can’t do. In addition, it
helps with our sensing preference seeing that it can be
simple and effective, all in the palm of your hands,
another thing your notebook can’t do, especially with
the clutter of all types of notes.

6.  Now for the iPads and tablets quest, this might be one of the most
effective ways students can study. Basically, a laptop and iPhone
combined to make this device, giving it the ability to use on the
go, but still carry the features of a laptop such as wi-fi internet and
a nice 10-inch screen (which isn’t too small, nor too big). Having
the ability to open pdf files is a big plus, seeing that many of my
professors upload almost all their files in pdf format. Although
ipads really can help in almost all the learning preferences, it’s
most beneficial in the visual and active format. Visually, you have
a nice display of various apps, videos and images right in your
hands, which is something I’m very nitpicky with. I tend to have a
better understanding of materials when things are displayed in
great quality, as opposed to learning off something pixilated
(there’s no motivation to that). In addition, being able to access the
web, share information with colleagues, and do almost anything a
computer can do (and more), helps with one’s active learning-
giving them the ability to retain tons of information.

7.  The Microblogs quest might have been the one I enjoyed the most,
seeing that I was able to explore different networking websites
such as twitter or tumblr and apply it to my classes. As an
experienced tweeter, I used various functions to do research on
specific subjects. Visually, I’ve seen different formats of twitter
(through a laptop, iPhone, blackberry, etc) so I’m already
comfortable with how the layout is and the location of each
function such as trending topics, search bar, or specific lists. I
found using Twitter highly organized, seeing that I was able to
filter out irrelevant topics when using the hashtag feature. In
addition, seeing that each tweet only allows 140 characters, each
post was kept short in detail, some even including links that direct
you to an even broader resource. Sequentially, I was able to read
different perspectives to understand the bigger picture in order
(chronologically). With little effort, anyone using Twitter to help
their learning can grasp much information in just 140 characters.

8.  The technology that interested me the most was definitely
microblogs. As an active Twitter user, I was intrigued that I can
use something I’m so familiar with in connection with
coursework. Using a social networking site to enhance learning is
definitely something I would’ve never thought I’d be doing. One
that really surprised me was the social bookmarking quest, which
initially I found very tedious. Since I was already familiar with
bookmarks on my browser’s toolbar, I figured it would be the
same thing. However, I was astounded at the features sites like
Delicious carry, such as creating multiple folders and being able to
share and search links. One that really didn’t seem to work for me
was using games and MMOG’s to enhance my learning, seeing
that I’m not very big on massive multiplayer games (runescape,
WoW, etc). Although I do love to play video games, those aren’t in
my interest. One that I really wish I could work on is iPads and
tablets, considering that I don’t have one of my own. I’m forced to
use my mother’s ipad when I need it, and it just really makes me
want one of my

9.  Although I was only able to use the iPad on some
occasions, I really felt like it addressed my learning
preferences to its maximum potential. Just imagine
the mobility of a cellphone but the features of a
computer right in your hands. The flexibility of
these features has no limitations, seeing that
millions of apps are created and continue to grow.
I can use Twitter, different games, and
productivity apps to enhance my learning- all
combining to enhance all learning preferences.
Visually, you’ll be blown away with the quality
that the iPad carries- which is highly beneficial
when studying. Different productivity apps can
help you stay organized and plan accordingly.

10.  I definitely know I will continue to use microblogs outside
of school, seeing that I already do. For example, students
who are being introduced to the field of physical therapy
can learn a lot by following users who are actual therapists.
If you have a question, you can freely ask them questions on
anything you need to know. Ipods, Iphones, and Ipads will
continue to dominate our society, which is not terrible news
as some might say. It’s actually more beneficial to all of us,
as more useful resources continue to pile up and can be
used by everyone all over the world. Like previously stated,
there will be no limitations with what you can do with these
mobile devices. Soon enough, your mobile device might just
turn into a personal informational kiosk for yourself
whenever you have questions. Wait… I believe they already
have that and it’s called Siri.