Everyone learns in their own special way. Some learn better in groups, some alone. Some people learn better when someone else explains a concept while others learn when the activity is hands on. In a world consumed by technology, people learn when they are using a digital device. Whether that device is a Smart phone, a computer, a Kindle, and iPad, or interactive white board learning can take place. The purpose of learning theory in educational technology is to determine which of these technologies would best promote learning. Surely the form of technology used would depend on the content and the desired outcome. There is an abundance of learning theories in the realm of education. However, the cognitive theory best fits in this technology based world. When trying to find a theory where the symbolism of the brain works resembles how a computer works, the cognitive theory is it.
The students of our classrooms today a very tech savvy. Unlike me who really started working with computer in middle school, my students have been working with them since Prekindergarten. Our students are on Facebook, have cell phones, use iPods and iPads, and know a computer better than some teachers. It only makes since that with such tech driven students their education follow suit with the rest of their life. In my classroom, I use computers and my interactive white board to teach, play games, practice skills, and practice our standards. So I believe that for today’s students technology is very essential in the learning process. BV
Responded to Sandra Dykes and Debra Morris for Module 1.
Responded to Sandra Dykes and Debra Morris for Module 1.
Hello Belinda,
ReplyDeleteI must be much older than you! I can remember my first experience with computers at the end of my high school career. I can remember when we typed on manual typewriters. I am really aging myself. I have been able to watch technology grow at a high rate of speed through the years. Personally, I loved learning experiences where I got to have hands on experiences. As educators, you are so right, we have a diverse group of students. Furthermore, we must try to meet the needs of all of our students. Do you implement technology in small group settings - if so share?
Sandra Dykes
Hi Belinda,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about the cognitive learning theory. Technology, the connection to our brains and the cognitive learning theory all relate to each other very well.
Also, I agree with you on the different forms/types of technology readily available for students to use and teachers to implement in the classroom. However, I find high school teachers and administrators resisting the oppportunity to implement the use of cell phones. My belief is why fight it. Almost all students have them, why not use them for instruction. I'm told there are ways to limit and control students logging on to inappropriate sites etc. I'm also told there are many activities you could incorporate through use of the cell phone.
Have you read any literature on this?
Debra Morris
Sandra - I do allow the students to use computers in small groups...very small groups. I sometimes allow two students to compete against one another on math websites. They seem to really enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteDebbie - I have also heard of classes doing this but have not read any further about it.
BV
Belinda, it will be interesting to see what the next generation of learners will be capable of doing. My three year old daughter figured out my Ipad before me. She is able to pick up on technology so fast, and it seems like in my generation ( and I am not THAT old) it was harder for me to pick up on aspects of technology- maybe because the items created were not necessarily intuitive in nature- the Ipad is so seamless to interact with, where as 'Atari' was not.
ReplyDeleteHi Belinda:
ReplyDeleteIn my 5th grade classroom, I discovered my students are not as tech savvy as one would be led to believe. We could ask, "Is this the fault of the parents or the fault of the teacher?" I also am a firm believer of Howard Gardner's multiple intelligences. Do you think someday in the future, the different technology devices will come with a label to recognize the particular intelligence it serves best?
8845
ReplyDeleteI don't know if that will happen, but boy it sure would be nice. BV