Module 2: Cognitivism and Learning Theory

Module 2:  Cognitivism and Learning Theory

Behaviorism, cognitivism, and connectivism are an integral part of the way that people learn. Though each of them has their differences; they all play vital parts in the learning experience. After reading the two blogs, it is easy to concur that all three of the isms are important in all student’s learning process. According to (Kapp, 2007; Kerr, 2007) it is essential to include multiple learning theories in instructional design presented to the students.

Educators should consider each of the theories while planning lessons that are targeted to an audience of different learners. In Kerr’s blog post, he stresses how each of the theories cannot offer everything that is needed alone (Kerr, 2007).  All three of theories seem to evolve around each other, and all three should be implemented into the instructional design.

As an educator, it is my observation that students learn by doing, and all the theories are essential in the instructional design. Learning experiences that stick are the learning experiences that draw from prior knowledge, and new knowledge builds on the prior knowledge. In this era, students have so many multi-media tools that enhance the learning experiences. These concrete learning experiences help students to move up Bloom’s Taxonomy of higher level thinking.

In conclusion, our brains may be compared to computers; however, there is a vast difference. Computers are programmed by humans. Humans could never be replaced by computers. The human mind could never be cloned. Technology and people need each other to work effectively.  As technologies advances quickly, people have to modify the way that the technology is used in their lives, to improve the way people function. All three of the learning theories evolve around each other, and they interact in individual learning experiences. Educators understand that students have many different learning styles.  

References:

Kapp, K. (2007, January 2). Out and about: Discussion on educational schools of thought. Message posted to http://karlkapp.blogspot.com/2007/01/out-and-about-discussion-on-educational.html 

Kerr, B. (2007, January 1). _isms as filter, not blinker. Message posted to http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2007/01/isms-as-filter-not-blinker.html


I have responded to Belinda Van Norman's post, and I have responded to Debra Morris' post.

Module One

What are your beliefs about how people learn best?

As an early elementary educator, a teacher must offer differentiated instruction to a group of diverse learners. As a second grade teacher, positive learning experiences must be afforded to each child to promote successful learning experiences. Our focus in the school system is to teach the state outlined standards, stress essential questions, and provide performance tasks. Students must have formal and informal assessments that help instructors track progress. Teachers must identify strengths and weaknesses of each individual student. Furthermore, teachers must identify the multiple intelligences that students exhibit to help them have success. Additionally, students need to have both concrete and abstract learning experiences. Manipulatives are exceptional tools to help students have more concrete learning experiences. Worksheets have their purpose; yet, teachers need to understand that worksheets only provide abstract learning experiences. Students learn best when the teacher models the skill, the students work together to practice the skill, and students work independently to practice the skill. It is imperative that students understand the skill in order to practice the skill successfully.

What is the purpose of learning theory in educational technology?

There are three main learning theories and they are:  behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism. Educational technology enhances the concrete learning experiences for students of all ages. Educational technology can be used to provide meaningful learning experiences, and it plays an integral part in all of the main learning theories. Students are motivated when educational technology comes into play. They are eager to want to explore the possibilities. Educational technology enhances instructional delivery, and it provides learning experiences that are motivational.


I responded to the following blog post:  Nadine Petrie-Waymy, Debra Morris, Michele Baylor, and Belinda Van Norman.