After reading chapter 3 of the required textbook, I have been furthered educated in the field of education and technology as one. Technology is a powerful advocate when it comes to transforming the way we learn and teach. As we continue on this journey to understand and accept technology in all professions, we become further educated on what it takes to make technology a success in the workforce. The Map above demonstrates the four learning theories that educators tend to follow when trying to educate ALL students. Those four learning theories are, Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructivism, and Constructionsim. These four learning theories are the subjects I chose to elaborate on.
To begin with, according to the textbook, Behaviorism is a learning theory that states that learning is a set of changes in human behavior created as a response to events in the environment. In other words, this is the old school way of learning. I believe that the majority of schools have used this type of learning theory since the beginning of time. Simply put, the teacher or computer is the only source of knowledge. In this case, the learner hopes to gain knowledge and feedback by what the teacher or computer has to show. Repetition, demonstrating, and memorizing is encouraged in this type of lesson plan. An example of this theory in a school setting would be when students go to a computer lab and follow along with the teacher up front. But this is only one way that students can learn.
Another form of learning is called the Cognitivism learning theory. In this theory, learning strategies such as memory, motivation, and perception are strongly encouraged. In other words, the leaner is encouraged to use outside sources and previous education to make sense of what is being taught. In this type of learning theory, the learners needs and differences are highly considered. This active learning style allows the learner to learn at their cognitive pace and broaden their overall education. Also, in this theory, the teacher is now more of a partner or coach, rather than the primary source.
Another learning theory is known as the Constructivism Theory. In this theory the learner is comfortable and accommodated to construct their own reality. These types of learners can be noticed by the approaches they take when given an assignment. Using technology with these types of learners allows them to respond and stress as much as they want. The computer activities allows them to create and respond to their own work. An example of these learners could be said to be those who are in to computer games; especially when allowed to construct a world of their own.
The last learning theory mentioned in the book and seen in the map above is the Constructionism theory. Much like the theories mentioned above, this type of theory is focuses on the learner that can create and build off the knowledge already in existence. But in this theory, in particular, the learner is self empowered to continue constructing their own ideas and thus influence others to continue on that idea. In other words, if the ideas of that of a teacher are different from that of the learner, then maybe the learner can construct their own interpretation and create a new way of seeing the lesson. This is a positive reinforcement for both teachers and learners because now a different process of learning is introduced and positive views are constructed as well.
Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.
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