Twaambo Chiinza

7/14/2013

Learning theory and its application in the digital age

HLMT ASSIGNMENT 1

OVERVIEW
Learning theory Traditional learning theories

Behaviourism Cognitivism Constructivism

Summary References

LEARNING THEORY
What is a learning theory? Learning theories are conceptual frameworks that describe how information is absorbed, processed, and retained during learning. (wikipedia) It studies how learning transfer occurs or can occur more effectively.

TRADITIONAL LEARNING THEORIES

The three traditional learning theories are; Behaviourist theory

Observable change in behavior in response to positive or negative stimuli

Cognitivist theory

deals with the internal mental processes of the mind and how these processes could be used to endorse effective learning promotes a learning experience, where the learning approach for each learner would be different and where the methods and end results cannot be easily measured.

Constructivist theory

BEHAVIOURISM
Focuses on the notable change in behaviour of the learner in response to stimuli. Also called the stimuli-response theory. Believes behaviour can be shaped by

Positive

reinforcement Negative reinforcement Punishment

BEHAVIOURISM OVERVIEW
Classical Conditioning (Pavlov) GOMS Model (Card, Moran, and Newell) Operant Conditioning (Skinner) Social Learning Theory (Bandura)

BEHAVIOURISM IN THE DIGITAL AGE

Use of the following software is recommended;

and practice Feedback is given after each answer (positive or negative) before proceeding to the next exercise Tutorial - allows students to memorize (rote learning) key concepts and sometimes answer questions after memorizing Simulation that aids to clarify abstract concepts and hence encourage retention
Drill

BEHAVIOURIST EXAMPLES OF SOFTWARE

Dig Deeper Quiz - Archeology (BBC) Destination D-Day - (BBC) Fresh Backed Fractions (Funbrain.com) Math Arcade (Funbrain.com) Math Baseball (Funbrain.com) SpeedMath Deluxe (Jefferson Lab) Lord of the Flies Comprehension Check (Nobelprize.org) SpellaRoo (Funbrain.com)

COGNITIVIST
Focuses on the internal mental process of the learner (including insight, information processing, memory, perception) essentially argues that the black box of the mind should be opened and understood. The learner is viewed as an information processor (like a computer). Focuses on the mind thinking, knowledge, memory and problem solving

COGNITIVIST OVERVIEW

Assimilation Theory (Ausubel) Attribution Theory (Weiner) Cognitive Load Theory (Sweller) Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning (Mayer) Component Display Theory Elaboration Theory (Reigeluth) Gestalt Psychology (Tolman) Mental Models (Johnson-Laird) Schema Theory Stage Theory of Cognitive Development (Piaget)

COGNIVISM IN THE DIGITAL AGE

Use of the following software is recommended;

Educational

computer games Information mapping tools and/ webbing software Internet research tools Audio/ video presentation tools Interactive software Interactive whiteboards

COGNIVIST EXAMPLES OF SOFTWARE

Flashcards by Microsoft Math Worksheet Generator Kinect for Windows SDK Kodu Interactive Classroom Photosynth Accessibility Guide for Educators Microsoft Mathematics Add-in for Word and OneNote WorldWide Telescope

CONSTRUCTIVIST
Constructivism as a paradigm or worldview posits that learning is an active, constructive process. The learner is an information constructor. People actively construct or create their own subjective representations of objective reality. New information is linked to prior knowledge, thus mental representations are subjective.

CONSTRUCTIVIST OVERVIEW
Cognitive Apprenticeship (Collins et al.) Communities of Practice (Lave and Wenger) Discovery Learning (Bruner) Social Development Theory (Vygtosky) Problem-Based Learning (PBL) Situated Learning (Lave)

CONSTRUCTIVISM IN THE DIGITAL AGE

Software that provides collaborative and reflective practices that lend themselves to a project based environment. The software acts as a cognitive tool.

it

is able to give physical representations of concepts that might otherwise prove to be quite abstract for learners; this in turn leads to students exercising and developing metacognitive awareness and self-regulatory ability.

CONSTRUCTIVISM IN THE DIGITAL AGE

Information banks (text or encyclopedia), Symbol pads (notebooks, laptop computers) Construction kits and scaffolding tools (Logo, legos, tinkertoys), Phenomenaria (area for presenting phenomena and making them available for manipulation; i.e., aquarium, Geometric Supposer, physics microworlds, STELLA, simulations) and Task managers (element which sets tasks, helps with execution, and provides feedback; i.e., teacher, computer managed instruction systems). Perkins (1991)

CONSTRUCTIVIST EXAMPLES OF SOFTWARE

Construction Kits & Scaffolding Tools

Logo & LEGO TC Logo, Hypercard, ScienceWare , KIE, View , Tabletop , Learning Science Project WISE Space Shuttle Commander , ScienceSpace, Lake Iluka , STELLA Bubble Dialog, Round Table , Judi Harris' Projects , CSILE , Testbed for Telecollaboration , Kidspace , Kidlink POV , Perseus Project , Jason Project , MayaQuest , StudySupportEnvironments Jasper Series, Voyage of the Mimi , National Geographic's Kid Network, WorldWide Telescope

Phenomenaria and Virtual Worlds

Telecollaboration and Computer Mediated Communication

Cognitive Apprenticeship

Situated Authentic Learning

SUMMARY

The main software that can be used in learning are;

Drill and practice software Tutorial software Simulation software

The different theories can use the same software but for the realization of different principals. Technology has brought many wonderful possibilities to learning

SUMMARY CONTD
The behaviourist software tools are easy to implement and use while the objectives are usually predetermined by the teacher. The cognitive software tools are eye catching (stimulates memory) and aim to leave a lasting impression The constructivist software tools encourage learning by discovery, collaboration and discussion among learners

REFERENCES
http://www.outsource2india.com/LearningSolutio ns/articles/learning-theories.asp - definitions of learning theories http://infed.org/mobi/learning-theory-modelsproduct-and-process/ - founders of the theories http://www.learning-theories.com/ - Overview of the learning theories http://etec.ctlt.ubc.ca/510wiki/EducationalSoftwa re - Behaviourism in the digital age http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitivism Cognitivism

REFERENCES CONTD.
http://www.usask.ca/education/coursework/8 02papers/Skaalid/tools.html - constructivism in the digital age http://elearningindustry.com/23-microsoftfree-teaching-tools-for-educators-education open source Microsoft educational software http://www.slideshare.net/laurangee/team5cognitivelearningtheory - cognitivism software examples