Module 2 - Cognitivism and Learning Theory

This past week, as I was expanding my knowledge on the Cognitive Theory, I’ve read a very interesting discussion post by Kapp (2007) and Kerr (2007), in which their main topic was the –isms of theory in education. The ideas presented have confirmed some conclusions I had since my undergraduate years and open up other areas on which I was left to ponder.

Through this discussion Kapp (2007) and Kerr (2007) have proposed that each new –ism or theory is basically a new idea that is not isolated from other ideas or concepts. They are, in some way linked with each other by focusing on specific behaviors, ways to process information or way to construct meaning. If I put myself in a real-life situation, such as learning how to fly, I will realize that in the beginning learning and memorizing the mechanical concepts will take a lot of repetition and discourse from a professor. Maybe I will receive some negative comments or grades for some simple mistakes I might make in an effort to correct my thinking and avoid future catastrophes. Then, I bring the memorized information and apply it in a real plane, internalizing and making sense of what has being learned. With this, I see that each step of my learning process, in some way, takes on a different learning theory.

Siemens (2008) also summarizes this by saying that the main focus of education nowadays is to understand how the student gains the necessary concepts or ideas, rather than understanding how the concept is being taught. For him, teaching cannot be focused or based on one single theory, but a group of them that should interact with each other to find the best possible methodology to engage students and allow real learning to take place. We must always keep in mind that we are all different and learn in various ways.  

Before I end this post I would like to share with you the following video presentation which summarizes different theories.

References:

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/

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

Siemens, G. (2008, January 27). Learning and knowing in networks: Changing roles for educators and designers. Paper presented to ITFORUM. Retrieved from http://itforum.coe.uga.edu/Paper105/Siemens.pdf



For this Module I visited and commented on the following blogs:

http://lrsgturn.blogspot.com/

http://stansedtechplatform.blogspot.com

Learning Theory in Ed. Tech. - How do people learn best?

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When the concept of learning is discussed, what first come to mind to some people is a structured classroom setting, normally desks or tables organized in rows, and a group of students gathered together listening to what an adult figure has to share with them.

John Dewey (1938) talked about this on his book Experience and Education saying that, in his time, education consisted in passing on information and learned skills from one generation to the other. Later on he proposed the idea of the importance of experience in the learning process, something I completely agree and support.

Learning, in my opinion, is transmitting new and important information in various and creative ways. According to Driscoll (2005), in order for learning to take place several things need to happen. First, an individual’s performance needs to change. Second, this change occurs as a result of the experience any individual had as he/she interaction with others.

The job of an educator is to identify which experiences best fit the needs of its students modifying its job description into a facilitator of instruction. When this happens, students are given the opportunity to transform the new information and convert it into knowledge to make it useful for them. Another way of saying it would be that when the students find the information relevant, meaningful that can be applied through a process of discovery, it is then that it will be learned.

Due to the fact that technology is changing the way we think, Henry Jenkins (as cited in Siemens, 2008) argues that learning needs to take place in a collaborative and network environment. At the same time, Oblinger and Oblinger (as cited in Siemens, 2008) proposed that educators need to adapt to the experiences that the students are exposed to on a daily basis, such as “blogs, wikis, networking, podcasts, online video, and virtual worlds.”

In my opinion, technology can also facilitate ownership, an element that is crucial in the learning process. By having ownership, student’s motivation increases. In other words, if a student is motivated to learn, its process becomes simplified.

  

In Educational Technology, learning theory can provide important guidelines that could assist educators on how to better incorporate technology in their teaching and help students become involved in their own learning. As John Carolus S. J. said, “we think too much about effective methods of teaching and not enough about effective methods of learning.”

While doing research I came across this two video presentations by Sir Ken Robinson that might be of interest to you as well. 

References:

Dewey, J. (1938). Experience and education. New York, NY: Touchstone.

Driscoll, M. P. (2005). Psychology of learning for instruction (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education.

Siemens, G. (2008, January 27). Learning and knowing in networks: Changing roles for educators and designers. Paper presented to ITFORUM. Retrieved from http://itforum.coe.uga.edu/Paper105/Siemens.pdf




This module I visited and commented to the following blogs:

http://kwagoner7105.blogspot.com

I strongly agree with you that students learn best when they are actively involved in their learning. As you mentioned, they should be taught the necessary skills to be successful in the 21st century. My concern is that our young students are allowed to be numbed by many of the technological gadgets, such as phones, tablets or any other media, but they are not taught to be creative or critical thinkers. All they want is for the information to come to them and knowing where to find the right answer. As educators, what are we doing to change that?

On the other hand, I see that you are utilizing a variety of learning theories, as well as giving student choices. In my opinion, choices are crucial for learning to take place. When students are given choices, they become motivated. If motivated, real learning occurs. Sometimes we, adult educators, limit our student’s potential and hinder their creativity. It is time to change that!


http://loridodd.blogspot.com

 

I believe that we all learn in a variety of ways. In my case I consider myself a visual learner than anything else. At the same time, I also believe that there are certain subjects and concepts that are better learned in a specific learning environment; such is the case in your math classes.

What I enjoy creating, as mentioned by your post, which also reflects John Dewey’s (1938) ideals, is real life experiences that allowed my students to grasp the concepts and apply them in their daily lives. When we do that real learning occurs.

In regards to technology, it is amazing to see how many resources we have available that reinforce our teaching. I am glad you are utilizing many of them in a variety of ways. Out teaching methods do not follow the “one size fits all” mentality. We are all unique in our own ways, which makes teaching one of the most challenging professions with life changing results.

Reference:

Dewey, J. (1938). Experience and education. New York, NY: Touchstone.

Initial Post

This is great! I've just started my own blog about theory in educational technology.

As I continue learning about the best educational practices and find ways to improve our teaching, I hope I can share them with anyone who is interested. My intention is to learn, share and collaborate.

Welcome aboard to my new journey!