What are your beliefs about how people learn best? What is the purpose of learning theory in educational technology?
Response:
I define learning as the acquisition and application of information and knowledge. As individuals, it should be a lifetime commitment to be continuous learners, as there are always opportunities to develop and grow academically, professionally, and personally. Because we are all different, we all learn in different ways; and how an individual learns is based on his or her learning style. As it relates to learning styles, Dr. Howard Gartner introduced the theory of multiple intelligences, which says that there are various types of learners. For instance, some individuals are auditory learners (learn by hearing), while others are visual learners (learn by seeing); still others are kinesthetic learners (learn by doing). Therefore, individuals learn best when information is presented in a way that appeals to their style of learning. An effective teacher and an effective classroom consider each type of learning in designing instruction and delivering content. Additionally, students are given opportunities to demonstrate what has been learned through the instruction in a manner that makes the most sense to them.
Educational technology can be defined as “the considered implementation of appropriate tools, techniques, or processes that facilitate the application of senses, memory, and cognition to enhance teaching practices and improve learning outcomes” (Aziz, 2010). Simply put, educational technology involves the use of various media and technological tools to assist in the teaching and learning process, and its purpose is to enhance the learning experience of learners. Learning theory is necessary in educational technology because it provides an explanation of the tools that can be used to appeal to each type of learner. Since the goal of instruction is to improve learning outcomes, teachers are able to incorporate the necessary tools for this to take place. For instance, an auditory learner may benefit from a podcast that explains to them how to save a document, while a visual learner may need to watch a YouTube video that shows how to save the document. Still, a kinesthetic learner may not fully understand the concept until after he or she has demonstrated what was heard or seen by actually going through the steps of manually saving a document. Each type of learner is encouraged to use whatever resources are needed for him or her to gain understanding, and be able to produce. Therefore, it is the teacher’s role to provide the information, and the student’s role to obtain, retain, and be able to apply the information.
Reference:
Aziz, H. (2010). The five keys to educational technology. Retrieved March 12, 2012 from http://thejournal.com/articles/2010/09/16/the-5-keys-to-educational-technology.aspx
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I responded to Sherri Carey's (http://theoryandeducationaltech.blogspot.com/) and David Davis' (http://edtechlearningtheory8845-2.blogspot.com/) posts.
Hi Jessica!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting posts, that corroborates my ideas a lot. It's nice to have a kindred spirit out there :)
I have question for you: you say that learning "should be a lifetime commitment" in our lives. Where do you draw the line between passion and commitment? Do you think we can instill that passion, or commitment to students? I agree that Gardner was right with his intelligence theory, but how can you differentiate with technology to reach everyone? Any sites you came across that would be helpful? Thanks.
Jessica,
ReplyDeleteIn regards to the strengths and weaknesses of auditory learners, in it great to note so many products and systems that better facilitate this learning challenge. My research for autistic learners cites The Electronic Auditory Stimulation effect (EASe) audio CD series as the original disc based auditory intervention program. The EASe CD is an easy to use, simple and safe tool for occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists, listening therapists and parents, to teach a child challenged with sensory processing issues, sound sensitivity, central auditory processing disorder (CAPD.
Perhaps you are familiar with this product?
Best,
David
Hi Jessica,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your statement that "an effective teacher and an effective classroom considers each type of learning in designing instruction and delivering content." Teachers must take into consideration that not all learners are visual, auditory, or hands on, and some are a combination of all three! The worst on-ground college classes I have been in as far as interest or retention are concerned, were those where the instructor stood up and talked for the whole class period. One day I sat in one of my son's classes in high school classes because of concerns about his grades in that particular class. His instructor put me to sleep! I knew then what the problem was -- she talked most of the class period and only kept the interest of those students who were auditory-only learners. A visual or kinesthetic learner would have a hard time paying attention in a class like hers, and their work would reflect they had not paid attention or retained much information.
As a computer applications instructor in adult education, I engage the three types of learners - auditory, hands on (kinesthetic), and visual. It's easy to do that with a hands on subject like I teach; however, I would think the challenge would be greater for those who teach non-hands on types of classes. What has been your experience with developing lessons that appeal to the three learning types?
AJ
Jessica,
ReplyDeleteI love your definition of learning as "the acquisition and application of information and knowledge". It is very true that all learners acquire knowledge differently, and through educational technology we are able to address such different needs and help all students to learn through their own styles. Having access to multiple sources and tools allows students to have the freedom to learn from different types of information and express their creativity and knowledge through a variety of technology tools. You listed great examples of how technology can be used by students to meet a variety of learning needs. I had a question about your last statement, stating that teachers should provide the information. Do you also feel that through the digital classroom, students should also be responsible for gathering information that pertains to the content in the curriculum as they explore such technology resources for learning? In this sense, students can take ownership for their learning while accessing information in a way that suits their needs. Thoughtful post!
Tiffany Harrell
Interesting post Jessica!
ReplyDeleteIt was a really enjoyable reading. You stated in your post that "students are given opportunities to demonstrate what has been learned through the instruction in a manner that makes the most sense to them". Assuming your statement is accurate, would it be fair to say that open-ended questions better assess learning than multiple choice or recitation questions?