Enhancing Emotional Health: Connectivism Theory, Systems Thinking, Simulation Training and Music

Abstract

This presentation provides an overview of connectivism, the adult learning theory introduced by theorists George Siemens and Stephen Downes between 2004 and 2005 (Siemens, 2004). Grounded in the literature review, the scope focuses on connectivism applied to simulation technology, specifically virtual reality (VR) and music genres, a form of emotional regulation for those impacted by stress, anxiety, traumatic events, and chronic diseases. The presentation utilizes data from a music mental health survey that is analyzed to evaluate the benefits of different music genres on mental well-being. These findings support the need for music in simulation training for improved learning outcomes.
The presentation is divided into sections, including connectivism theory, simulation training and virtual reality, music for emotional health, the curve of forgetting (Ebbinghaus,1885), and change management as it focuses on the benefits of simulation technology, music and movement as it relates to reducing trauma and improving emotional health as a pillar of functional, healthy life expectancy (Downes, 2006). The key findings validate the need for music-based interventions using simulation technologies to reduce trauma, stress, and anxiety that support changed behaviors through coping skills for improved connectivism learning outcomes (Weller, 2009).