- What are your beliefs about how people learn best? What is the purpose of learning theory in educational technology?
I definitely believe that each person learns in his/her individual way. Though we may share learning commonalities with others, I believe our personal acquisition of knowledge is unique. You have students like myself who like direct instruction; I would rather read and quiz rather than do a filler assignment that teachers would make you do in, for example, high school. My husband on the other hand learns best through hands on application. He was an average student in college because lectures bored him, not due to lack of intelligence. According to Driscoll, a learning theory "comprises a set of constructs linking observed changes in performance with what is thought to bring about those changes" (Discroll, 2005, p. 9) Applying this to educational technology is vital; one of the three components is examining the means. In this case the means refer to the processes that lead to the results. So this is exactly where the application of technology's role in learning occurs and needs to be inspected. - What are the critical elements of a learning theory? Did Driscoll and Siemens miss any key questions or criteria? Provide a thoughtful critique of their discussion of learning theory.
As mentioned in the Siemens article, Behaviourism, Cognitivism, and Constructivism comprise of the core of learning theories. With the addition of Connectivism, I think this concept is complete. I teach a subject (Psychology) where students have to be able to see in gray which I have found can be extremely challenging for them. The idea of being able to witness the application of psychology in the everyday world through unique but realistic applications of the content meets this need for me. I believe in regards to all learning theories, a course needs elements from each. For example, I need assignments to demand an element of the Behaviourist view from my students; they have to be prepared to complete a 100 question multiple choice exam in 70 minutes. That is a technique that needs reinforcement. That is why elements of cognitivism, constructivism, and connectivism are necessary. They are needed in the face to face environment as well. - Critique Siemens’s “metaphors of educators.” Which of these metaphors best describes the role you believe an instructor should take in a digital classroom or workplace? Is there a better metaphor to reflect your view of the role of instructors?
The concept of the educator as the master artist neglects the time crunch all educators are on to finish instruction before the end of the semester while trying to meet standards to prepare students for standardized/national exams. In a college setting, I believe students would have more freedom to roam topics of interest. A high school teacher can use elements of a blog as well but it must be more focused and direct. The second metaphor, that to a network administrator, takes away the role of a teacher to that of a helper. I do not agree with this as it diminishes the knowledge about content teachers have to offer.
My expectation of the role an instructor should take in a digital classroom is a combination of the concierge and curator. I believe an online instructor should make available to students resources in existence that could enhance their learning experience. This is why I find value in creating a course setting that allows for differentiation of product so that are exposed to a variety of tools. However the role of the curator struck me because this is a role where the expertise resides with the teacher so the true master of the content is the instructor and not the internet. I am actually in the midst of developing an online AP Psychology course and this is one of the issues I have had to address when planning out the course.
Driscoll, M. P. (2005). Psychology of learning for instruction (3rd ed.). Boston: Pearson Education, Inc.
Siemens, G. (2008, January 27). Learning and knowing in networks: Changing roles for educators and designers. Paper presented to ITFORUM. Retrieved September 5, 2010, from http://it.coe.uga.edu/itforum/Paper105/Siemens.pdf
Erin-
ReplyDeleteI agree that everyone learns in his or her own way. I used to be like you learning by lecture and assessments. As I have transitioned in life from the learner to an educator I have also transitioned in how I learn. Now that I spend my life in front of the classroom I have become a horrible student. It takes so much out of me to focus, even at faculty meetings, my colleagues and I joke that teachers are the worst listeners. I now like hands on activities that allow me to do. So I think the way learners learn varies on where they are in their life and what type of learning is occuring.
I also agree that components of each learning theory needs to be present as needed in learning situations. Learners do not all learn the same therefore the approach in presenting material needs to be differentiated for learners. I am strong believer that behaviorism will always be a key theory. As humans we want acknowledgement for doing the right thing no matter what the situation may be. Learners need to be rewarded to stay motivated for learning whether it be by positive comments or good grades. The Connectivist theory ties the other learning theories together with inclusion of online learning.
I never thought of a network adminstrator in this manner. I didn't think that an instructor in this role loses recognition as content expert. As I think of this role now I agree that it does appear that a network adminstrator does not have to have a strong knowledge base of content as long as he/she can structure a course. Great observation really gave me a different perspective.
Thanks for the feedback! I go over-zealous and responded to all questions =)
ReplyDeleteErin, with regards to your first observation, it is true that how one acquires knowledge is unique to the individual. It becomes in essence their blueprint for learning. What we have to do as educators or trainers is recognize this as truth and begin planning learning environment which levels the playing field for acquiring knwoledge for all learners in the classroom. The use of technology in facilitating this process comes down to how will it support student learning and performance during the instructional process as a means of insuring undertsnding. Hence, I agree that it is vital that instructors find ways to integrate technology which is grounded in identifiable constructs which help to improve the learning environment for all students.
ReplyDeleteWell said Monica! However, I think time is still a huge factor that can play against us as educators.
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