APPLYING LEARNING THEORIES IP1

Welcome to EDU622 – Applying Learning Theories, the first course in your Masters of Education academic adventure. You are about to embark on an exciting, intense, and fulfilling journey that starts by offering you an opportunity to construct a strong foundation for your learning experience. As with any major life changing event, success is many times determined by the determination and effort we put into it and by the amount of support mechanisms to help with that effort available along the way. The Masters of Education program team wants to be a supportive part of your success. Therefore, the team has strategically put into place a wide array of success building tools and resources to equip you for this journey. You are encouraged to tour the course area and locate the various support options so you can use them as needed throughout your program. But where do you start? One recommendation would be to visit the AIU Learning Center and click into the M.Ed. Student Support Community facilitated lab. From there you can participate in and view chats, download specialization resources, and directly link to M.Ed. specific LibGuides within the AIU Library. How do I get there? With your class page open, look at the menu buttons and locate the one that says Learning Center. When you click on Learning Center, it will take you to a menu page for the center. On this page click on the button called Learning Labs. Now locate M.Ed Student Support Community, under recommended labs. Time Management Even though the program is constructivist in nature and provides a self-directed learning environment, you are taking two at a time with a lot of information covered per unit. Therefore, plan accordingly based on alternate assignment due dates. Do not wait until the last moment to try and complete your assignments. Set aside some time throughout the week to work on your assignments. For both classes, you will be required to participate in the Discussion Board throughout the entire unit so be prepared for ongoing active engagement on the identified topic. Stay Engaged Stay engaged throughout the unit by keeping contact with your classmates and professor. By contributing throughout the unit in the DB, chats, office hours, IM, and email areas, your knowledge and skills will grow. If you are confused or unsure about an assignment, send an e-mail or IM to your professor immediately---do not wait until the last minute. Keep in mind that Instructors have up to 48 hours to respond to emails and messages so plan accordingly. If you wait until Sunday to ask a question, you may not get a response in time to submit your assignments. Master APA As with any discipline, academic education has its own communication approach which includes terminology and presentation requirements. This is important so that information can be consistently shared. APA is the language of choice for education and research. It may take a little time to master at first but it is definitely worth it in the end. Resources include providing you with the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 6th so be sure to read this resource and keep it handy throughout the MED program. Reach out

You are now a part of the AIU M.Ed. community and therefore you have a group of classmates, faculty, and advisors who are available to assist you. Be sure to reach out at any time during your academic journey for assistance, sharing, and networking. It is a community of practice endeavor so immerse yourself in the community. Be Open to New Ideas Embrace new knowledge, encourage critique, be open to feedback from your classmates and your professors, and commit to academic and personal growth. You will be amazed at the rewards. Pay special attention to the feedback that will accompany each of your grades on assignments. As you proceed on this graduate level adventure, remember that your MED community is here to partner and support you toward success. Good luck and embrace the journey!