Friday, June 18, 2010
Learning Theory and Educational Technology
Module 1 Blog
Beliefs about How People Learn
I believe learning is a process that takes place over a lifetime not only in a classroom but in everyday experiences. I believe as a teacher it is important to help students learn about themselves and the world in which they live. I also think people learn best from modeling and by using a hands-on approach because it allows the learner to experiment. It also allows learners to develop skills and clarify concepts. Instructors should seek to ensure there is a balanced mix of guided and self- directed learning. From a previous course taken where students had to consider their philosophy of teaching and learning, I believe the learning theory I incorporate most in my teaching is probably that of the Constructivist approach because of its hands-on style of teaching and learning. It involves discussing meanings and ideas with others, and it isn’t learned in isolation. Siemens (2008) points out how constructivism covers a broad spectrum of research overlapping with cognitivism which suggests learning involves each individual learner making sense and constructing knowledge within his/her own context. I believe that the theories of learning can serve as a guide for instructors as they deliver content to students. I think technology can be the tool utilized in the process of learning to encourage risk taking while creating a new level of imagination.
Siemens (2008) further illustrates the roles that instructors/educators take through the use of metaphors. He likened educators to master artists, network administrator, concierge, and a curator. I believe that throughout teaching and learning educators who are serious about their involvement in the learning process take on all of these roles at some point to ensure that content is being mastered. The role that immediately comes to mind when I consider my instructional methods is that of curator because rather than always dispensing knowledge I enjoy seeing students create the environment for learning and explore and create knowledge and adding information to further assist as needed. I would add educator as creative consultant to the list of metaphors because I think some students who may not be very creative when learning or sharing their knowledge would benefit from suggestions and examples of what is being taught.
References
Driscoll, M. P. (2005). Psychology of learning for instruction (3rd ed.). Boston: Pearson Education, Inc.
Siemens, G. (2008, January 27). Learning and knowing in networks: Changing roles for educators and designers. Paper presented to ITFORUM. Retrieved from http://it.coe.uga.edu/itforum/Paper105/Siemens.pdf
Beliefs about How People Learn
I believe learning is a process that takes place over a lifetime not only in a classroom but in everyday experiences. I believe as a teacher it is important to help students learn about themselves and the world in which they live. I also think people learn best from modeling and by using a hands-on approach because it allows the learner to experiment. It also allows learners to develop skills and clarify concepts. Instructors should seek to ensure there is a balanced mix of guided and self- directed learning. From a previous course taken where students had to consider their philosophy of teaching and learning, I believe the learning theory I incorporate most in my teaching is probably that of the Constructivist approach because of its hands-on style of teaching and learning. It involves discussing meanings and ideas with others, and it isn’t learned in isolation. Siemens (2008) points out how constructivism covers a broad spectrum of research overlapping with cognitivism which suggests learning involves each individual learner making sense and constructing knowledge within his/her own context. I believe that the theories of learning can serve as a guide for instructors as they deliver content to students. I think technology can be the tool utilized in the process of learning to encourage risk taking while creating a new level of imagination.
Siemens (2008) further illustrates the roles that instructors/educators take through the use of metaphors. He likened educators to master artists, network administrator, concierge, and a curator. I believe that throughout teaching and learning educators who are serious about their involvement in the learning process take on all of these roles at some point to ensure that content is being mastered. The role that immediately comes to mind when I consider my instructional methods is that of curator because rather than always dispensing knowledge I enjoy seeing students create the environment for learning and explore and create knowledge and adding information to further assist as needed. I would add educator as creative consultant to the list of metaphors because I think some students who may not be very creative when learning or sharing their knowledge would benefit from suggestions and examples of what is being taught.
References
Driscoll, M. P. (2005). Psychology of learning for instruction (3rd ed.). Boston: Pearson Education, Inc.
Siemens, G. (2008, January 27). Learning and knowing in networks: Changing roles for educators and designers. Paper presented to ITFORUM. Retrieved from http://it.coe.uga.edu/itforum/Paper105/Siemens.pdf
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