Module 2 Blog Topic 1

After reading the blog posts by Bill Kerr and Bill Kapp I gained a new perspective on the use of various learning theories.

I definitely believe that the –isms: constructivism, behaviorism, cognitivism, and more recently connectivism are useful guides on what to think and what to do. The –isms are necessary. Each learning theory offers something useful. They provide valuable insights into human learning. The concept of taking an idea from each school of thought almost seems genius. Using ideas from various learning theories is essentially the essence of a good educational design. We need the integration of all the –isms. Taking bits and pieces from each theory and using them collectively will only benefit us.

It would be simplistic to assume that one learning theory alone has the potential to be used across the board for all. All of the learning theories have a place in the learning process and using ideas from them makes sense. None of our students learn exactly alike, we all leaner differently that is why the concept of using ideas from various learning theories makes sense. Learning is multi-facetted and it is not possible for one learning theory, one school of thought to do it all. We can take the best ideas and concepts from various leaning theories and use them to create an effective educational experience for our learners.

I believe that Kerr (2007) said it best, “learning theories are indispensible to the curriculum reform effort.”

References

Kerr, B (2007). _isms as filter, not blinker (Web Blog Post). Retrieved from http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2007/01/isms-as-filter-not-blinker.html.

Kapp, K (2007). Out and about: Discussion on educational schools of thought (Web Blog Post). Retrieved from http://www.kaplaneduneering.com/kappnotes/index.php/2007/01/out-and-about-discussion-on-educational/.

Module 1 Blog Topic 1

Module 1 Blog Topic 1

What are your beliefs about how people learn best? What is the purpose of learning in educational technology?

How people learn best has been an old age debate and there are many learning theories that have seeming provided an answer to this very question.

The most common learning theories are Behaviorism, Cognitivism, and Constructivism. Behaviorism which asserts that people learn best in response to stimuli, Cognitivism which suggests that people learn best by connecting new ideas with prior knowledge (Ally, 2008), and Constructivism which implies that people learn best through discovery and reflection (Driscoll, 2005).

While these theories do explain how some people learn best. Does one learning theory alone explain how everyone learns best? “To each its own” what works for one person may not work for the next. Some people may learn best in response to stimuli, some people may learn best by connecting new information to prior knowledge, while others may learn best through discovery and reflection.

It would simple of me to assume that everyone learns best through the use of one learning theory, or one instructional method, or one concept. Some people may learn best through the use of drill and practice or repetition.

Learning theory in educational technology offers educators a framework upon which they can build by implementing ways to integrate technology into their instruction and teach their students through the use of it. Instructional methods are often at the heart of learning theories. The presence of learning theories is prevalent in the use of educational technology. Drill and practice software is frequently used in educational technology, and drill and practice operates on a learning theory.

References

Ally, M. (2008). The theory and practice of online learning. (2^nd ed.) Edmonton, AB: Athabasca University Press.

Driscoll, P. (2005). Psychology of learning for instruction. (3^rd ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson Education.

Siemens, G. (2008). Learning and knowing in networks: Changing roles for educators and designers. Paper presented to ITFORUM. Retrieved from http://it.coe.uga.edu/itforum/Paper105/Siemens.pdf