1

Laura Howard
OMDE 610 9040
2/22/16
Beginning Journal Entry 4 (Module 2)

What I would want to learn in Module 2 (University of Maryland University College,

2016)

The start of module 2 appears to have more focus on in-depth analysis and features of the
primary learning theories, as determined by what I have read in the Harasim (2012) book so far
and the module objectives (University of Maryland University College, 2016). After reading the
first few pages of chapter 3 in the Harasim (2012) book, I have started to develop a better
understanding of the behaviorist theory, its importance and role in the field of education
(Harasim, 2012). I think I am becoming more comfortable and confident in being able to identify
the behaviorist components and aspects. During module 2, I would want to be able to distinguish
the different learning theories more clearly. I would also want to be able to develop more
knowledge to properly determine the learning theories and their specific traits, attributes,
technologies and methods, as it indicates in the module 2 objectives (University of Maryland
University College, 2016) and like the Ally (2008) writing (University of Maryland University
College, 2016; Ally, 2008). As I was reading the Ally (2008) article before, I sometimes had a
difficult time and got confused with determining which learning theory techniques and methods
belonged to which one, unless I specifically referred back through the Ally (2008) writing
carefully (Ally, 2008). However, I still need more in-depth study and reading to have the
expertise knowledge level of the learning theories, in order to make any decisions about what is

appropriate for online distance education. I am looking forward to being able to acquire more indepth knowledge on each of the learning theories through the course readings and media.

References
Ally, M. (2008). Foundations of educational theory for online learning. In T. Anderson (Ed.), The
theory and practice of online learning (pp. 15-44). Edmonton, AB T5J 3S8: AU Press.
Retrieved from http://www.aupress.ca/books/120146/ebook/99Z_Anderson_2008Theory_and_Practice_of_Online_Learning.pdf
Harasim, L. (2012). Behaviorist learning theory. Learning Theory and Online Technologies. (pp.
30-45). New York: Routledge.
University of Maryland University College. (2016). OMDE 610 9040 Teaching and learning in
online distance education (2162) OMDE-610 [Course syllabus]. OMDE 610-9040,
Spring 2016, [Teaching and learning in online distance education (2162) OMDE-610].
Master of Distance Education and E-learning, University of Maryland University
College, Retrieved from
https://learn.umuc.edu/d2l/le/content/124340/viewContent/5442289/View