1.
What are your beliefs
about how people learn best? What is the purpose of learning theory in
educational technology?
People learn best when
they make a connection with the knowledge into their ever day life. Students in
my science classes often ask how certain topics affect them and once they see
the ramifications of say global warming they gain a better understanding and
desire to understand the topic. Using investigations and hands on learning is
the best way for learners to connect with the instruction. Driscoll (2008),
states that knowledge is gained through experience and this is evident in the
science classroom with hands on inquiry.
2.
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.
Both Siemens and Driscoll (2008) discuss the ever widening
network of the social media age and ways in which learning theory can be
applied to the way we learn in this age of information overload. Behaviorism
and pragmatists use learned behavior negotiated through experience and thought
to learn concepts (Siemens, 2008). A constructivist believes that each learner
makes sense of the concept and knowledge within their own mind (Siemens, 2008).
Both of these theories and ways of thinking are accurate and lend themselves to
my belief in hands on learning. Learners must engage with the content,
interact, and create internal meaning for themselves (Siemens, 2008).
3.
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
I relate strongly to
Siemens (2008) statement that learners must be guided by experts to prevent
misconceptions and to gain knowledge. The metaphors used in the text discuss
being a curator, concierge, and network administrator. The dual role of guide
and expert , curator, that blends the expert and the learner constructing
knowledge is the best role for my classroom (Siemens, 2008). The students
should be creating their own knowledge through the use of expert guidance with
the curriculum. Technology should be navigated by their desire to learn and guided
by the instructor.
Siemens, G. (2008,
January 27). Learning and knowing in networks: Changing roles for
educators and
designers. Retrieved from: http://itforum.coe.uga.edu/Paper105/Siemens.pdf
Melissa,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post, especially where you talked about acknowledging that learners have to be guided in order to understand what is really going on. Just like with computers, although students know how to use them for what they like or "leisure", some still need to know how to use it for academics.
Melissa,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the information. I liked your comment that "People learn best when they make a connection with the knowledge into their ever day life." I agree. I also believe that each student is encouraged to learn when they can more easily assimilate the information, and teachers have a responsibility to adjust their teaching styles to encourage learning. Have a great week.
Jerry
Melissa,
ReplyDeleteI agree that students must see pertinence or usefulness on the information to be learned. One of the most common statements expressed by struggling students is that they do not understand the importance to learn certain skill. They do not see practicality (other than have a good grade on their report card). Teachers must teach what is indicated on the state standards. However, they ought to make students aware of the goals’ value. Additionally, teachers have the hard task to consider all learning styles when planning their lessons.
Yahira
Melissa,
ReplyDeleteScience has always been a struggle for me to learn because we are often required to accept the things that we cannot always see and feel. How do you go about teaching a student who must fully understand a concept before they believe it?