Module 2: Cognitivism (Finley's Response)

One thing that I find evident from each of the posts is that no one learning theory is the definitive acceptable way in which humans learn. In terms of Bloom’s taxonomy, behaviorism supports lower level thought processes including knowledge and comprehension (Kapp, 2007). Cognitivism is not seen truly as a supporter of higher thought processes; however, it is thought to support thinking skills such as application and analysis.

Despite the fact that learning is thought to be an internal process, it is the outward display of how the knowledge is transferred to situations that is seen as evidence of information learned. According to Saettler, the following factors contributed to the emergence of cognitive theory over behaviorist theory (2004, p. 321):
“First, the development of the information processing approach that grew out of information theory…second, the impact of the computer, which provided an effective way to simulate human behavior and gave rise to a new subfield called artificial intelligence; third, in the field of linguistics, there was a dramatic shift from behaviorists theories of language toward an analysis of the structures underlying comprehension and production of utterance; and fourth, the theory and research of Jean Piaget had a profound influence on cognitive developmental psychology…”

For more information on cognitivism, please visit the following websites:

http://www.learning-theories.com/cognitivism.html

http://personal.psu.edu/users/w/x/wxh139/cognitive_1.htm

http://www.usask.ca/education/coursework/802papers/mergel/brenda.htm

Additionally, check out this video with both behaviorism and cognitivism summarized:


Taken from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vq9XIrNGgoQ

References
Kerr, B. (2007). __isms as filter, not blinker. Retrieved March 31, 2010 from http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2007/01/isms-as-filter-not-blinker.html

Kapp, K. (2007). Out and about: Discussion on educational schools of thought. Retrieved March 31, 2010 from http://karlkapp.blogspot.com/2007/01/out-and-about-discussion-on-educational.html

Saettler, P. (2004) The evolution of American educational technology (2nd ed.). Greenwich, CT: Information Age Publishing.

Zalaquett, C. & Gomes, N. (2005). Bloom’s taxonomy pyramid. Retrieved March 31, 2010 from http://www.c21te.usf.edu/materials/institute/ct/index4.html

Module 1: Learning Theory and Educational Technology

For the first blog, I have decided to share my personal belief of about how people learn best. I believe that people learn best when the information presented is relevant to them. They must be able to see the application of such knowledge in their lives. This is applicable to every subject area. In teaching, the essential question is our link to real-world application. When lesson planning, we focus on how to hook multiple learning styles by providing real-world problems.

Educational technology (ET) is a blanket term that encompasses both instructional technologies and learning technologies with the purpose of providing interactive, individualized learning experiences that support the students’ personal learning styles. ET has moved beyond blackboards and overhead projectors to portable personal computers (Thornburg, 2008). Technology in an educational setting has been found to engage students thereby promoting student academic achievement. According to Driscoll, learning theories provide three basic components: results, means, and inputs (2005, p. 9). Understanding these key elements allows the educators to determine the appropriate environment to create to foster student learning.

Take a moment and watch this clip on learning styles.

Check out this great blog on various learning theories and the role of technology.
http://learningcircuits.blogspot.com/

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

Learning styles video. (n.d.) Retrieved March 16, 2010 from ltscotland.org.uk.

Thornburg, D. (2008) Educational technology: A historic perspective. Retrieved from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=3341329&Survey=1&47=3774951&ClientNodeID=984645&coursenav=1&bhcp=1

Welcome

Greetings Visitors!

Over the next 12 weeks, I will be sharing ideas related to various learning theories.

~Angela