Monday, June 13, 2016
Week 1 - Theories
Chapter 2 discusses three learning theories: behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism. Which of these resonated with you the most and why? Do you think the knowledge of these and other theories are necessary for teaching with technology and why? Please reference the text at least once in your answer.
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ReplyDeleteConstructivism resonated with me the most because I believe knowledge is unique to the individual who constructs it. As Piget theorized, new knowledge is either assimilated or accommodated. Yes, I believe the knowledge of this and other theories are necessary for teaching with technology because as the book states "educational technology is a wide variety of theories and practices associated with designing, developing, using, managing, and ultimately evaluating both the teaching-learning process and the technological resources used to implement that process".
ReplyDeleteI think the constructivism learning theory resonated with me the most because the fact that it is based on observations about how people learn. With constructivism, people create their own knowledge and understanding of things and the world around them. It is constructed through experiences. This is something I think is really how we learn. We make certain choices or do certain actions, and we experience the outcome from those choices or actions. Most people tend to learn from then, in either a positive way or negative way. I believe this is how we learn even when we are using technology. When we do not know how to do something, we explore that technology to figure out how to do what we are trying to do.
ReplyDeleteAccording to the book Teaching and Learning with Technology, constructivists see knowledge as a constructed element as a result of the learning process. They believe that knowledge is unique for each person because it is based on their experiences in which the mental processes happened. This learning theory resonates the most with me because I agree that a person’s culture, upbringing, and experiences will affect everything they see, hear, learn, and how they interpret new information. A person who grew up in a poor neighborhood, in a single family home, with lots of younger siblings that they had to help raise will view things differently than a person who grew up in an upper class house, with two parents, and raised primarily by a nanny. They will have different experiences, be taught different things in different manners, and all the information they take in from the world around them will be processed differently. As they get older, these changes will become more evident and they will be the foundation for key aspects of their personality, how they learn, and what their interests are. I think this theory is important and valuable to teachers because it shows how outside influences will affect a student’s learning capabilities.
ReplyDeleteI think it is important for teachers to know about learning theories because it will impact how they teach their students. There isn’t going to be one “correct” theory and the theory that resonates the most with each teacher will impact the methods they use in the classroom, which will impact their students. If a teacher is completely unaware of various learning theories and how things affect a child learning, they won’t be successful as a teacher and their students won’t learn as much as they could have. These theories are also important in teaching technology, because again, they will affect what methods the teacher uses. Technology is a skill that is becoming more and more important in today’s world and it is vital that students understand technology, how to use it by itself, and how to apply it to other skills.
If the teacher is a developmental theorist, the teacher will be aware of a child’s developmental stage when presenting content and will help the child construct schemas. If they follow the constructivist theory, they may try to encourage students to learn new knowledge by using instruction organized in a spiral manner so students constantly build on what they know. The way technology is taught and the way it is used to teach other subjects will be dependent on how the teacher sees knowledge and how children accept new knowledge. By understanding each theory and knowing how they will impact your students, a teacher can use each theory properly, to the best of its ability, and will be more effective as a teacher.
I believe the theory that resonated with myself the most would be the constructivism theory. I feel like I gain the most knowledge when it comes to learning with a hands-on experience. I have a great example to explain why I feel this way, when I was sixteen, I got my first car and my father wanted to explain and teach me how to change the oil in my vehicle. He proceeded to show me everything under the hood of my vehicle. It wasn’t until then, where I actually gained the most knowledge on how to check my oil by actually doing it myself while I had my father right next to me for guidance. Since that day, I always know how to maintenance my vehicles. I believe the reason why I always loved science, biology, and chemistry classes so much was because there were always labs where the students actually got hands on experiments; whether it was with a microscope or with chemicals. I found a fantastic article titled, “Constructivism as a Paradigm for Teaching and Learning,” where it explained, “The Internet and its graphic window, the World Wide Web, have made vast amounts of information available in a timely fashion. Students can initiate searches more and more independently using information technology. Teachers can encourage searching and classification more readily in a technology-rich environment. Educational institutions have posted much material useful in the sciences, mathematics, literature, and social sciences. Students can research, classify, and store multimedia information from these events and more. Increasingly powerful software applications have put tools for interpretation and knowledge creation in the hands of learners of all ages and abilities. Word processing and desktop publishing, databases and spreadsheets, digital photography and art applications, multimedia and Web-authoring programs have greatly enhanced students' potential for expression. These computer-based tools have tapped into students' multiple intelligences, and enabled those with aptitude in visual learning, for example, to demonstrate knowledge creation more effectively. Teachers are restructuring their classrooms so that students can participate as producers. For example, teachers might organize the students to create a museum kiosk to demonstrate student knowledge. Computer technology has enhanced the opportunities for students to communicate with others. Students and teachers can extend their dialogue beyond the physical and time constraints of the classroom using e-mail, and live chats. Electronic-data archives, Web sites, and e-mail all allow for increasingly expedient and effective collaboration between students.” I believe all theories can be used for teaching with technology. In Chapter Two of our readings it stated, “Or a learner might select a process or technology because it organizes and presents content in the manner that is most comfortable for his or her personal cognitive style. Some educational technologies can be employed to ensure the rewards and feedback that are critical to a behaviorist approach. Other technologies help a learner to construct and test the mental models suggested by cognitivists. Still others encourage and support social exchange to construct new knowledge through social interaction. Educational technologies can be used to enhance and support the teaching-learning process at any number of points in the process. Educational technology is one of the supports for teaching and learning that both teacher and learner can call on to help and ensure the opportunity for optimum performance. Seymour Papert (mathematician and educational technologist) believed technology should help children experience knowledge and construct meanings; developed Logo and constructivist software based on this perspective. The teacher role is to provide opportunities for children to develop constructs through experience; use technology to support experiences.” I believe that I agreed with Papert’s constructivist view the most, as well as his view of the teacher’s role.
ReplyDeleteSources used:
DeleteConstructivism as a Paradigm for Teaching and Learning. (n.d.). Retrieved July 08, 2016, from http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/concept2class/constructivism/explor_sub5.html
Lever-Duffy, J., McDonald, J. B., & Mizell, A. P. (2003). Teaching and Learning with Technology. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
Constructivism resonated most with me because it combines motivation with ability. As the text states about cognitive-constructivist view, ”learning is a result of an individual’s cognitive efforts to construct his or her personal knowledge”, which means the motivation to own the knowledge is what fuels the process (30). There are exceptional learners that will fit in the other theories. These exceptional learners, in my opinion, are the minority group while the mainstream of learners fit in the Constructivist theory. Some students will be able to learn without motivation while others will respond well to with stimuli to guide behavior.
ReplyDeleteI do feel that knowledge of all three theories is important in that they provide a basic knowledge of the options that the learner could fit in. Due to the many factors, such as environmental factors, that can alter a learners ability and style of learning it is beneficial to know several research based theories that could prove applicable (28). Teaching with technology will require the same human development knowledge that teaching in general requires. Using technology to promote creative and critical thinking learning experiences will vary based on the learners. The constructivist theory provides an opportunity to use technology for initial knowledge, finding supporting details, and creating a final product to show understanding. A learner that fits in the cognitive style may benefit only from the final product using technology to show what is understood without benefiting from gaining knowledge using technology. This information is needed in understanding learning style which directly affects creating lessons that promote learning opportunities.
Resource:
McDonald, Jean. Teaching and Learning with Technology, 4th Edition. Pearson, 2011. VitalSource Bookshelf Online.
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ReplyDeleteAfter viewing the different types of learning theories, the theory that resonated with me the most is constructivism. As the reading states, this type of learning is more than the mental process. It ensures that learners are engaged in an active constructive process. A huge emphasis on learning is created through life experiences. For example, one theme that is covered in my Head Start class is Taking care of the Earth. While familiarizing the children with different ways we can harm the Earth, and ways to help keep the Earth clean, we discussed the importance of why we need to take care of our Earth. An experiment that we organized, included filling a tub with water, and throughout the day, paper, soda cans, tops, clothing, and other items were placed in the water. At the end of the day the children tried to clean the items out. After seeing that it was very difficult to clean, the children realized how littering could affect our Earth. This experience taught them the importance of keeping our beaches and lakes clean.
ReplyDeleteHaving knowledge of these theories are necessary for teaching with technology because not all students learn the same way. If a teacher just uses direct teaching, some students will not meet or exceed their learning potential. Integrating technology is a way for students who feel uneasy in asking questions aloud to be able to find answers without feeling uncomfortable. Technology also helps to connect students with real life experts who can express understandings through images and sounds.
Lever-Duffy, J., & McDonald, J.B., (2008). Teaching and Learning with Technology. (4th edition) Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
http://www.ucdoer.ie/index.php/Education_Theory/Constructivism_and_Social_Constructivism_in_the_Classroom
According to our textbook, Teaching and Learning with Technology (Lever-Duffy & McDonald, 2011), the Constructivism Theory is when a student's knowledge is built upon previously accrued knowledge. This theory resonated with me the most because I believe that previous knowledge is vital to learning new knowledge. For example, one cannot build a bridge across a river with out taking steps. The legs of the bridge have to be sturdy and built properly, or "mastered", for the bridge to stay standing.
ReplyDeleteI feel that the knowledge of this theory, and other theories, are necessary for teaching technology because a student can not research and type papers if they do not know the basics first. The other theories may be necessary because every student learns differently and knowing the other theories may help with teaching the students.
Resource
Lever-Duffy, J. & McDonald, J. (2011). Teaching and learning with technology (4th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.
I believe constructivism resonated with me the most because this theory focuses on how people learn. According to the text people gather their own knowledge and understanding through experiences (Lever-Duffy & McDonald, 2011).Students learn best when the materials are meaningful, life-long, and relevant to them. Through experience and interest the material captures their attention and motivates the student to learn. In order to be an effective teacher I must understand how my student learn best and develop strategies for their individual needs. I believe the knowledge of these theories can be very beneficial with technology because students must first have prior knowledge of the proper use of computers and basic skills in order to serve the students. Technology could also be used as a resource to accommodate those students who may learn best through engaging with technology.
ReplyDeleteResource
Lever-Duffy, J. & McDonald, J. (2011). Teaching and Learning with Technology (4th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.
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ReplyDeleteTheories-Setorie
ReplyDeleteReading Chapter 2 about different learning theories was interesting. The one theory that I felt the resonate with me is constructivism. The reason is because I like the fact that this theory brings out the child. Everyone acquires from their experiences no matter how big or small. In addition, children are able to learn and recollect something that they can repeat. Constructivist is even better because there are two parts of constructivist which are cognitive constructivism and social constructivism. Cognitive constructivism as stated in the test is “each individual constructs their own knowledge” (Lever-Duffy, McDonald 2003). Social constructivist expressed by Vygotsky and Bandura, states we learn during group activities and interactions. Furthermore, I feel that the knowledge of learning theories is very necessary for teaching with technology. As the matter fact, the theories can help educators know how a child's learning style is. Also, how to influence and get through to the individual child.
Lever-Duffy, J. McDonald J. (2003). Teaching and Learning with Technology. Boston, MA.
Pearson Education, Inc.
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ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThe learning theory that best resonates with me is the constructivism perspective. This perspective believes that knowledge is constructed by the learner. The text explains that learning is unique to each specific learner based on their own experiences (Lever-Duffy & McDonald, 2011). I believe that learning is a step by step process and it is constructed over time and not all at once. Students learn best when something is meaningful and relevant to them. Constructivism is based on the idea of accommodation and assimilation. I believe that the knowledge of these and other theories are necessary for teaching with technology because not every child learn the same way so it is beneficial to know what you may have to do differently. Technology can be used as a supplemental tool in the classroom. A teacher will be able to use instructional technology in the classroom to fit the needs of each student in order to provide meaningful experiences. For example, the constructivism theory supports the use of technology by offering students a lot of information and various environments that can be used to build knowledge.
ReplyDeleteReference
Lever-Duffy, J. & McDonald, J. (2011). Teaching and Learning with Technology (4th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.
There are many theorist but the one that seems to appeal to me is Howard Gardner, because his focuses on individual intelligence and their domain ways of knowing things. He uses 9 different intelligence's that he believes people fall under when it comes to learning. I feel like this is also how we look at and understand things, also with technology the 9 different intelligence can view how we use and learn with technology. I used information on Gardner in chapter 1 on pg 19 and 24-25. I also compared it to Bloom's Taxonomy in a way found on pg. 55 in chapter 2. Because as learner and educators, we comprehend, analyse, evaluate, and apply the knowledge we learn.
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ReplyDeleteAfter reviewing the three learning theories in our book, I would have to say the constructivist perspective stuck with me the most. I do believe that all children learning process is different from one another. Every child is not going to have the exact same things in their life such as; stable home, complete family, non-poverty stricken, and supportive grownups. There are so many different attributes that can affect a child’s learning process and therefore should be evaluated and handled individually. Also I would have to agree with Jean Piaget theory that children go through different developmental stages and if one is not met it may be difficulty to move onto the next stage. Therefore if a student is struggling the teacher must evaluate what need is not being met that is causing an effect on the students success.
I feel that is it very important for teachers to know each of these learning theories because not every teacher is going to have the same opinions and thoughts. It is much more important to carry an open mind because what you may of thought was best could be done better using a different strategy or theory. Another important factor why teachers must understand each of the learning theories is because without this knowledge they will be lacking vital information that can be used in delivering instruction using different kinds of technology. It is necessary for the teacher to be able to decipher the best possible environment and ways of instruction that will create success for the entire class and sometimes this can include a teacher moving out of their comfort zone.
Lever-Duffy, J. & McDonald, J. (2011). Teaching and learning with technology (4th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.
After reading about the three learning theories, Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructivism; I have to say I resonated most with the constructivist theory. I believe that knowledge is gained through hands-on experiences. One learns to think for oneself by constructing our own way of thinking and developing problem solving abilities. For example, a mother may tell her child, do not touch the stove it is "hot". The child will not learn the concept of "hot" or may not understand why the mother does not want him/her to touch the stove until he she/can experience for himself the meaning of "hot". Once the child learns the concept of hot, the next time a person tells him/her not to touch it's hot; he/she would make the connection from previous experiences. According to the textbook, constructivism "relies on the cognitive concepts of inquiry-based learning and social interaction". (Lever-Duffy,J. & Mcdonald, J. 2011) I believe students learn best when sparking their interests and curiosity. By creating lessons that are both engaging and interactive, students will have the opportunity to explore and discover new knowledge for themselves. Although, I resonated most with the constructivist theory; I believe it is imperative for educators to have knowledge of the learning theories. The learning theories can become our guide and even our foundation when teaching with technology. One can apply at any one time, any of the learning theories when teaching with technology and apply it as it best fit the situation.
ReplyDeleteResources:
Lever-Duffy,J. & Mcdonald, J. (2011). Teaching and Learning with Technology. (4th Ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson, Education, Inc.
Gwendolyn Quinn
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The Learning theory that I can relate to the most is the Constructivist Perspective. I personally believe that the best learning or teacher questioning comes from higher thinking level questioning that offers more open-ended answers instead of one particular answer. Questions that allows students to analysis, compare, contrast, evaluate information gives students a chance to with others in their group, gathering information to construct learning. The text states on page 28 that Jean Piaget, who is the most notable early constructivist believed that children construct mental maps as they encounter information. Knowledge is either assimilated or accommodated. My goal as an educator is to be aware of my student’s age and developmental stages and help them construct schemas. (pg. 30). I think this is the best theory that goes along with what I believe and have experienced.
I feel that no matter what theorist a teacher lends towards, it is essential to stay consist in it and use the information in helping you decide what technology your students can use and if they would need support and what kind of support and for how long. I think it would be a disservice to students to require them to do an assignment but you as a teacher are not considering the students’’
What stood out to me the most was behaviorism. Behaviorism is more concerned with behavior than with thinking, feeling, or knowing. It focuses on the objective and observable components of behavior. This theory is relatively simple to understand because it relies only on observable behavior and describes several universal laws of behavior. Its positive and negative reinforcement techniques can be very effective such as in treatments for human disorders including autism, anxiety disorders and antisocial behavior. Behaviorism is often used by teachers who reward or punish student behaviors. I have first hand experience because of working in the school system. Some behaviors are rewarded and some arent. I honestly want to figure out what PBIS is all about; I've seen it work and I've seen it used to make students with behavior issues feel as if they can't be rewarded. Yes they are necessary if they are incorparated the right way in a classroom. The teacher has to take the time to make sure the students are applying what they have learned with the technology being taught.
ReplyDeleteIn considering these theories, the theories that I mainly connected with was the constructivist theory. This theory focuses on engaging students with their own learning and then becoming active participants when learning. They are allowed to explore and control their own learning process. In considering these theories, it is very important that an educator is aware of them. They discuss, in detail, the behavior and cognitve development. They further discuss how a child learns. When an educator is aware of these theories, the importance of instructional technology becomes more relevant.
ReplyDeleteThe book states that constructivism learning theory is based on observations about how we learn in everyday life (Lever-Duffy and McDonald 2011). This theory resonated with me the most because, I believe people learn and understand information through different techniques and skills. Some people learn better through video/audio and some learn better through hands-on and or both. I also believe people mind connects to certain information that best fits their interest for learning new material. If a teacher teaches an assignment they will be able to recognize the student who grasp the information quickly through videos or the students who need the actual hands on experience. I believe constructivism is a great theory so teachers wont overlook different learning abilities and can ensure there teaching strategies fits their student’s needs. I also believe the knowledge of these theories are more than necessary for teaching with technology because the teacher can broaden their lessons through creativity which will benefit more students at one time. These ideals will also allow kids to become more engaged and explore other learning styles to enhance the chance of gaining more knowledge. The technology will allow students that are shy or afraid the opportunity to answer questions aloud without feeling uncomfortable in the classrooms.
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