Is there truly one right answer to this inquiry? I believe the ways people learn are simply too numerous to place a reliable number any two people can agree upon. For example, there are some situations in which my learning is enhanced by visual presentation. Many years ago I joked with my older sister I learned how to drive from racing go-carts. If you spend any time on our roadways, it seems many drivers method of learning could best be describes as a combination of video game simulation and bumper car drills.
Driscoll (2005) states learning is a persisting change in human performance or performance potential. Learning theories provide a rationale for this action. So what is the purpose of learning theories in education technology? The digital age changed the playing field , but the rules are still the same. Siemens provides insight comparing four theories and the application to education technology is an simple taransition. It is only when one views technology as as a new and complex evolution would you begin to see incompatiablity.
I love reading the postings in this blog. This particular one was about a concerned parent and the ineffective preparation her child received from her school. Also included are recent posts. One in particular provides details about Secretary Duncan's assessment of how the majority of schools are failing to properly educate our students.
http://blogs.ajc.com/get-schooled-blog/2011/03/15/preschool-mom-sues-big-playroom-didnt-equip-child-for-ivy-league-ranks/
This is another great blog to visit.
http://www.joebower.org/2011/03/should-students-be-paid-to-learn.html
The authur of this particular blog shared his views of extrinsic and intrinsic motivation on student learning. The links to additional blogs from the blog were extensive and extremely captivating information to read.
I have included a link to a video clip which will interest any and all who has wondered if teachers help raise test scores. Recent comments from individuals such as Bill Gates indicate the answer is a resounding yes.
http://bcove.me/4ntj4uaz
Driscoll, M. P. (2005). Psychology of learning for instruction (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education
Siemens, G. (2008, January 27). 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%20
Charles I like that you included links to other blogs in your posting. Before I knew it last night over an hour had passed. I kept reading! I share your same view that there is no one right answer to this question. Your comparision to how current drivers have learned to drive had me laughing out loud, because it is funny but true! Well written.
ReplyDeleteJami, thank you very much. My blog comments are meant to be an easy read and if someone enjoys herself in the process then everybody is happy.
ReplyDeleteEducational technology takes us from, “how do people learn best?” to how do “I” learn best. Modern learning theory suggests that digital natives learn best in an environment that promotes creativity (connectivity) Learning Theory for the Digital Age. The information age has changed the process of increasing knowledge and skills for today’s learners. Educational technology shapes the role of the individual student in the family unit, workplace, and global society. Through edutainment, (educational entertainment technology) expression of creativity to increase knowledge acquisition, skill development, and individual enjoyment.
ReplyDeleteWe can design individualized curriculum and instruction by applying learning theory to the digital age.Educators who embrace behavioral perspectives of learning like Pavlov, Thorndike, and Skinner (1920’s to 1950’s) contribute to today’s practice of using criterion-referenced assessment, performance objectives, and mastery learning in online tutorials. Likewise, cognitive beliefs of Ausubel, Bandura, and Gagné (1760’s to 1980’s) support the traditional use of inductive learning, advanced organizers, and visual aids. In addition, more modern constructivist such as Bruner, Piaget, and Vygotsky (1990’s to 2000’s) are responsible for current use of simulations, collaboration, and meaningful learning environments.
Our educational system can not fail at the task of properly educating our students. We can overcome the problems we face in education today by using technology to address academic achievement for the individual student but, we must consider the role of educational technology in the learning process. Greater understanding of the learning process is important to developing curriculum and instruction for all learners.
I enjoyed reading your ideas in your post. I disagree with you on some points, but I truly enjoyed reading your prospective. I believe that the different learning theories are necessary because learners are at different level of development in learning. Younger learners respond better to a behaviorist approach, while teenagers respond better to a cognitive approach to learning. The contrasting models are needed because learners are hard to categorize and their learning style change as they mature. I would love to hear you opinion on this post.
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