What are your beliefs about how people learn best? What is the purpose of learning theory in educational techology?
There are many different theories about the process of learning some are relevant to my belief. In explaining my belief, I need to first understand and define learning. Driscoll (2005) defines learning "as occurring when learners are able to perform actions they could not perform before the learning occurred". Learning occurs through experiences. It is how the learner’s experiences interact and lead to learning which is expressed differently. People learn best when making connections to prior knowledge and are given ample time to process and reflect. When the learner is given opportunities to ask questions, inquiry and provided time to apply, practice their learning and then given positive reinforcement for success. Educators today are facing an uphill battle where they are required to teach the entire compulsory curriculum, prepare for high stake testing and not given opportunities to reteach or follow up on the learner’s mastery of new learning. Glenzer (2005) reflects on behavioral changes is evidence of learning, practice does make perfect in order to achieve the desired learned behavior.
Learning theory with regard to educational technology provides the needed background knowledge about how learners use technology as a teaching and learning tool. Learning is optimized, when educational technology is appropriate for the stage of the learning process. Educational technology is to target different learning styles.
Driscoll, M.P. (2005). Psychology of learning for instruction (3rd.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.Glenzer, H. (2005). Living learning theory through My Fair Lady. Brisitsh Journal of Educational technology
Dwanell-
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I agree with all your points about how we learn especially about your comment about inquiry and giving the students opportunity to ask questions during the learning process. In regards to educational technology, it is imperative for instructors and course designers to take the individuals learning styles into consideration when developing and implementing an online course and provide support accordingly. This is one of the things I look for at the start of my school year so I can ensure my daily lessons address the various learning styles in my classroom.
Heather
Dwanell,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post! I agree with you that it is imperative that students be giving the opportunity to practice what they have learned. It is through the application of the skills that they learn mastery. Positive reinforcement also reiterates what they have learned. Collaboration is also key in the learning process. Along with the opportunity to ask questions during the learning process, students need the ability to collaborate with fellow students. I also agree that educators are facing an uphill battle with teaching what is required of the curriculum, preparing for state testing, and reteaching necessary akills. It seems we have so much to do in so little time. It makes a positive case for all year school. : )
Enjoyed your post!
Tracy
Module 1 Feedback:
ReplyDeleteDwanell, the quote that you used to describe the measure of student learning is simple yet very true. As we consider the tasks our students were once unable to perform in comparison to the tasks they are currently able to do, it gives us a sense of pride in knowing that we have contributed to their growth and learning.
The quote you chose correlates with so many facets of education in terms of student learning since everything is focused on what we want our students to learn. From our unit plans, daily objectives to intricacies such as KWL charts, we are always exploring what we want students to know and which assessments or task should they be able to master once they know it. I found a video that also elucidates the importance of measuring student growth by comparing where they were to where they are at.
Great Post!
Resource
Pearson Education (2011). Measuring student growth. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyglda1_IMc
Hi Dwanell,
ReplyDeleteThere are several learning theories. I have read a few and there are nuances among them. This makes me appreciate Skinners Behaviorism theory more. Not the metaphorical “black Box” but his definite stance not to “meddle in mud.” It is a complex ordeal to explain how cognitive learning takes place. The theorists’ explanations are abstract and most times coined differently because they want a definite role of being in the “cognitive hall of fame.” Fundamentally, people learn by experiencing some kind of stimuli. Learning might be new, reinforcing or modifying. The skills might be academic or motor. The psychomotor development for fine arts skill of the human is intriguing. To me this is cognitive and physical skill blending. I see that you’re a believer in ample time for the learner to process and reflect, ask questions, inquire and practice. I agree with you, “Practice does make perfect in order to achieve the desired learned behavior.”
Learning theory associating with learning technology really allows educational technologist to seek the best technology tool to do a better job. The learning level requires appropriate learning technology and tools choice. Importantly, the learning theories all adapt technology for diverse learning needs and stages of development.