7105 Mod 2

http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2007/01/isms-as-filter-not-blinker.html

http://karlkapp.blogspot.com/2007/01/out-and-about-discussion-on-educational.html

(the link above [for Kapp] did not work for me, it kept going to the current homepage. The link below did work)

http://www.kaplaneduneering.com/kappnotes/index.php/2007/01/out-and-about-discussion-on-educational/

Kerr’s discussion on “-isms” was somewhat entertaining but not enlightening. I can concur with the confusion on the use of the suffix, or overuse, but really what is the point. The point to me is what constitutes learning and how is it measured.

That’s where I like Kapp’s comments that as we move to higher levels of learning, the type of –ism changes too. Basic learning, two plus two equals four, fundamentals of reading and writing, and how to tie your shoes, are examples of behaviorism learning. As we progress to abstract thinking like plot lines in novels, or algebraic functions, then we need the principles of connectivism and constructivism to frame the learning process.

Kerr’s comments on humans being described as machines relating to behaviorism as we exhibit a stimulus-response reaction or machines being described as humanistic relating to cognitivism when strategizing to play chess does create a forum for further discussion. Are they like us, or are we like them, and is there a theory that explains it all? Or, do we have clearly defined parameters that we can categorize into a one-size-fits-all theory. The evolution of learning theory is continuing in my opinion with much debate still ahead!

7105 Mod 1

What are your beliefs about how people learn best? What is the purpose of learning theory in educational technology?

I think that people learn best when their interests and needs are matched by the method of delivery. For auditory learners this can be a lecture type of presentation. For visual learners, well prepared lessons that display information in interesting ways works best. No matter what the preferred learning style or the method of delivery, the instructor and the relationship they create can make or break the learning of the student. A partnership in learning is what I think makes people want to learn. The most proactive student can be turned off by an instructor that sours the learning environment. The most resistant student can be encouraged to learn, and in the best of circumstances can be awakened to the power and joy of learning, if the right match of instructor is there to mentor them. This is why I believe that no matter how "digital" we become in the learning environment, we will still need these type of mentors to lead learning.

For me the purpose of learning theory in educational technology is to provide the basis or framework for lesson design but with a digital spin. Learning theory speaks to the way that people learn depending on the desired outcome. Course preparation in a digital medium requires the architect to follow the "rules" and incorporate those elements that best meet the criterion to lead to the desired outcome, learning.

Video (audio) link discussing learning theory.