A Guide to Technology, Teaching, and Learning
Sonja Brooks
CEP 800 - Fall 2010
An instructor may say they incorporate technology into their classrooms, but technology is a broad topic. What exactly are they using technology for and how does it fit in with pedagogy and learning theory?
Theorists have long been trying to explain how humans learn. The Classical Theories, Behaviorism, Problem Solving, and Psychological & Social Constructivism all play a part in how we have come to view the world of teaching and learning. As these theories were changing, so was the world of technology. Although these learning theories were developed before the integration of our current technologies into the classroom, they have impacted how we view teaching and learning and can even be present in technology. Learning through technology opens up new doors for teachers and learners so possibly a new theory of learning should be developed! Technological Constructivism; the integration of learning theory and technology?
Technological Constructivism…
As I see it, whether being used by instructors or students, technology falls under three main categories.
1. An Instrument for Learning
2. Communication for Learners
3. A Collaborative Network
The presence of learning theory in technology for each of these categories is apparent when you break down the applications and programs. It may look different then the theorists could have imagined, but it is there changing how we teach and learn.
The Instructor:
Behaviorism – Through technologies such as online learning courses, email, blogs, and text messages and instructor can easily give feedback to the learner, break the task into steps, display directions or the student to review often, and give positive reinforcement.
Problem Solving – (The Gestalt Theory) Technology makes it easy for instructors to organize a course and its information through sites such as ANGEL, Moodle, and personal websites. A professional looking and well organized site will help the mind interrpret the information as important.
Psychological Constructivism – The internet opens up a realm of instructional possibilities at various levels.
Social Constructivism – As an instructor technology gives way to numerous methods of active learning such as WebQuests, ePenPals, and simulations.
The students:
Behaviorism – Many internet and computer games offer the task/reward method of teaching. The student’s correct answers are rewarded by points or a clever animation.
Problem Solving – (The Gestalt Theory) E-Portfolios are one way for students to showcase their work in a professional manner. Digital storytelling is also a method of telling stories digitally that can be used at any level to showcase and assess student work.
Psychological Constructivism – Playing games that are appropriate for the student’s cognitive level.
Social Constructivism – Participating in group work over internet applications such as synchronous chat, asynchronous posting, blogging, and email keeps students form being isolated during online learning.
Technological Constructivism is not going away, just as learning theories up to this point have not disappeared. It will, however, continue to change and shape the way we teach and learn. As technology advances, the theory will begin to look different once again. New application will arise as we strive to give our students the best education possible.
Theorists have long been trying to explain how humans learn. The Classical Theories, Behaviorism, Problem Solving, and Psychological & Social Constructivism all play a part in how we have come to view the world of teaching and learning. As these theories were changing, so was the world of technology. Although these learning theories were developed before the integration of our current technologies into the classroom, they have impacted how we view teaching and learning and can even be present in technology. Learning through technology opens up new doors for teachers and learners so possibly a new theory of learning should be developed! Technological Constructivism; the integration of learning theory and technology?
Technological Constructivism…
As I see it, whether being used by instructors or students, technology falls under three main categories.
1. An Instrument for Learning
2. Communication for Learners
3. A Collaborative Network
The presence of learning theory in technology for each of these categories is apparent when you break down the applications and programs. It may look different then the theorists could have imagined, but it is there changing how we teach and learn.
The Instructor:
Behaviorism – Through technologies such as online learning courses, email, blogs, and text messages and instructor can easily give feedback to the learner, break the task into steps, display directions or the student to review often, and give positive reinforcement.
Problem Solving – (The Gestalt Theory) Technology makes it easy for instructors to organize a course and its information through sites such as ANGEL, Moodle, and personal websites. A professional looking and well organized site will help the mind interrpret the information as important.
Psychological Constructivism – The internet opens up a realm of instructional possibilities at various levels.
Social Constructivism – As an instructor technology gives way to numerous methods of active learning such as WebQuests, ePenPals, and simulations.
The students:
Behaviorism – Many internet and computer games offer the task/reward method of teaching. The student’s correct answers are rewarded by points or a clever animation.
Problem Solving – (The Gestalt Theory) E-Portfolios are one way for students to showcase their work in a professional manner. Digital storytelling is also a method of telling stories digitally that can be used at any level to showcase and assess student work.
Psychological Constructivism – Playing games that are appropriate for the student’s cognitive level.
Social Constructivism – Participating in group work over internet applications such as synchronous chat, asynchronous posting, blogging, and email keeps students form being isolated during online learning.
Technological Constructivism is not going away, just as learning theories up to this point have not disappeared. It will, however, continue to change and shape the way we teach and learn. As technology advances, the theory will begin to look different once again. New application will arise as we strive to give our students the best education possible.
