Learning Theory and Educational Technology
Responded to http://holly-shumaker.blogspot.com/
and
http://carollee387blogspot.com/
Topic: What are your beliefs about how people learn best? What is the purpose of learning theory in educational technology?
Throughout my experiences of teaching and working with both children and adults, I believe that people learn best through socialization and hands on type of experiences. The more opportunities students have to engage in meaningful discussions and reflect on their experiences they are able to gain a better understanding of content and concepts being taught. During this process, students are able to create their meaning by engaging in authentic learning experiences and they are playing an active role in the learning process. When I consider my belief about how people learn best, my beliefs relate best to the Constructivism leaning theory. The attributes of this learning theory relate best to Interpretivism/Constructivism, which Siemens states “is internal, and knowledge is constructed” (Siemens, 2008).
As Siemens states, “The ongoing growth of the internet for teaching and learning will likely continue to raise networks as a prominent means of representing knowledge and the learning process” (Siemens, 2008). With these changes in education regarding knowledge and the learning process due to technologies the theories of learning will need to change to incorporate these new technologies. Therefore, the purpose of learning theory in educational technology is to acknowledge the rapid changes of networks that is enabling access “to content, experts, and global connections with fellow learners” and consider the results, the means and the inputs of these resources regarding learning. In doing this, educators must rethink approaches to learning and teaching differently if they are to accept these changes regarding educational technology and prepare today’s learners for the future.
Reference
Siemens, G. (2008, January 27). Learning and knowing in networks: Changing roles for educators and designers. Paper presented to ITFORUM. Retrieved March 8, 2010 from http://it.coe.uga.edu/itforum/Paper105/Siemens.pdf
Helpful Links about Constructivism and Educational Technology are listed below:
http://www.learning-theories.com/
http://ed.fnal.gov/trc_new/sciencelines_online/summer96/activities.html
http://people.uis.edu/rschr1/et/blogger.html
In my experience with adults and children, hands on reinforces what is taught. They also like some one-on-one attention based on class size. My classes are small so I can work better with them.
ReplyDeleteThe link that you posted concerning learning-theories.com is good. I especially like the brain games and will see if some of my students would like to try them. It is interesting that "humanism" and "design-based" theories of learning are listed at that web site but not by Siemens (2008).
The Scienceline link with the three little pig story is a creative method for asisting children in language arts expecially when children are bilingual.
Siemens, G. (2008, January 27). Learning and knowing in networks: Changing roles for educators and designers. Paper presented to ITFORUM. Retrieved March 8, 2010 from http://it.coe.uga.edu//itforum/Paper105/Siemens.pdf.
Hands on learning is definitely the best for younger children. My students learn the bare minimum when I do not make the lesson hands-on or real-world. This is due to the fact that the students are much more engaged in the lesson.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the links!
Nice post Charlotte. Nice working with you again. I like the constructivist approach also. There is just one thing though.
ReplyDeleteYou wrote "the theories of learning will need to change to incorporate these new technologies." In my way of thinking, the theory doesn't change as much the instructional design. Don't you think?
I totally agree with your belief that learning best occurs when it is hands-on. I say some very similar ideas in my blog as well.
ReplyDeleteIn addition to the learning theories changing or adapting to involve specific references to the educational technology, how do you feel in regards to the said learing theories serving as a basis for educational technology?