The process of learning has been viewed from different perspectives. The different learning theories surrounding learning are topics of discussion. Behaviorism and Cognitivism are two popular theories of learning. Siemens (2008) believes behaviorism looks at visual outcomes or behaviours from an outside view of the learner and can be controlled versus the internal processes within the learner that are not known (p. 9). Bill Kerr believes learning theories are useful in the learning process, although he is not in total agreement with behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism.
Cognitivism presents the learning process as being similar to computer processing (Siemens, 2008, p. 9). Karl Knapp and Kerr agree that cognitivism does not account totally for the learning process in humans and the same can be said for constructivism and behaviorism. The different learning theories present learning in a different manner, but different learning theories are good for certain learning situations. I agree with Knapp’s perspective that that the theories are linked together as he stated cognitivism is a follow-on to behaviorism. The belief aligns with Siemens (2008) view of constructivism that interlinks with cognitivism and allows the learner to conclude understanding from the situation (p. 9) .
References
Kerr, B. (2007, January 1). _isms as filter, not blinker [Web log post]. Retrieved from http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2007/01/isms-as-filter-not-blinker.html
Kapp, K. (2007, January 2). Out and about: Discussion on educational schools of thought [Web log post]. Retrieved from http://www.kaplaneduneering.com/kappnotes/index.php/2007/01/out-and-about-discussion-on-educational/
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
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Learning Theory and Educational Technology - Module 1 (Blog 1)
The understanding of learning is required in order to suggest how people learn best. Learning involves two main ideas. The first idea is stated and explained by Driscoll (2005) which “refer to learning as a persisting change in human performance or performance potential” (p. 9). The learning process gives learners new skills to accomplish tasks that did not exist prior to the learning process. The second concept from Driscoll (2005) believes what is learned must change the learner’s performance or the learner’s potential performance when the learning is placed into action with experience through dealings and interfacing with real world situations (p.9). Learning theory is linked to learning by the results of the learning, the means or process that brought about the change and inputs that caused the progression (Driscoll, 2005, p. 9).
I agree with Mayer (2005) that states “learning is defined as an alteration in long-term memory” (p. 20). The definitions by Mayer and Driscoll can be viewed as similar because of a change in behavior was caused by learning. I believe learning can occur best if learners are learning tasks that are meaningful and will be applied in real world situations. Learners that know the task is important will learn the task to apply later in life. Mayer (2005) outlines four components for people learning complex skills which include learning tasks, supportive information, procedural information, and part-task practice (p.72). One element I believe is useful in the learning process is the use of job aids which are good for procedural information. The job aid is a learning tool that breaks down the task into essential information that the learner or user requires for accomplishing the task. An educator must know what learning tools are ideal for certain learning situations.
The knowledge of learning tools links the purpose of learning theory in educational technology. Educators must know how learners will learn instructional material. All learners do not learn in the same manner. Instructional designers must be aware of what approach is good for certain types of learning tasks. Task-based learning is best for the behaviorism theory (Siemens, 2008, p. 11). The key point to remember is one size does not fit all when learning is concerned.
References
Driscoll, M. (2005). Psychology of learning for instruction (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education.
Grummon, P. (2009). Best practices in learning space design: Engaging users. Retrieved from http://www.educause.edu/EDUCAUSE+Quarterly/EDUCAUSEQuarterlyMagazineVolum/BestPracticesinLearningSpaceDe/163860
Mayer, R. (2005). The Cambridge handbook of multimedia learning. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press.
Quinn, C. (2011). Seven steps to better e-learning. Retrieved from http://www.elearnmag.org/subpage.cfm?section=best_practices&article=35-1
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
I agree with Mayer (2005) that states “learning is defined as an alteration in long-term memory” (p. 20). The definitions by Mayer and Driscoll can be viewed as similar because of a change in behavior was caused by learning. I believe learning can occur best if learners are learning tasks that are meaningful and will be applied in real world situations. Learners that know the task is important will learn the task to apply later in life. Mayer (2005) outlines four components for people learning complex skills which include learning tasks, supportive information, procedural information, and part-task practice (p.72). One element I believe is useful in the learning process is the use of job aids which are good for procedural information. The job aid is a learning tool that breaks down the task into essential information that the learner or user requires for accomplishing the task. An educator must know what learning tools are ideal for certain learning situations.
The knowledge of learning tools links the purpose of learning theory in educational technology. Educators must know how learners will learn instructional material. All learners do not learn in the same manner. Instructional designers must be aware of what approach is good for certain types of learning tasks. Task-based learning is best for the behaviorism theory (Siemens, 2008, p. 11). The key point to remember is one size does not fit all when learning is concerned.
References
Driscoll, M. (2005). Psychology of learning for instruction (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education.
Grummon, P. (2009). Best practices in learning space design: Engaging users. Retrieved from http://www.educause.edu/EDUCAUSE+Quarterly/EDUCAUSEQuarterlyMagazineVolum/BestPracticesinLearningSpaceDe/163860
Mayer, R. (2005). The Cambridge handbook of multimedia learning. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press.
Quinn, C. (2011). Seven steps to better e-learning. Retrieved from http://www.elearnmag.org/subpage.cfm?section=best_practices&article=35-1
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
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