Summaries what you have learnt about learning theories (and how they influence our perceptions of learning technologies):
Learning theories help us understand the process of learning. Behaviorism, cognitivism and constructivism are selected in the below discussion. We will discuss how the three main perspectives in learning theories help us in learning, especially learning technologies.
Behavorism :
Learning through conditioning interaction with environment. The learning process involves stimuli, response, feedback and reinforcement. There are some criticisms argue that there are some other factors, such as mind, are involved in determining the response. In this discussion, we assume that stimuli is not determined by inner mind processing.
Learning new technologies (especially IT) is not easy for someone who gets no knowledge about that. To help the learner to turn the response from resistance to acceptance, we may apply the behaviorism. The learner can use the basic (or easy) part of technology first (stimuli). The successful experience (happy response) and the feedback (successful result) reinforce the learner. Learner will begin to accept the technologies and try to learn them with interest.
Cognitivism
Learning under this theory involves inner mechanism of human thought and processing of knowing. Manipulation of our minds is in form of rules, algorithms and patterns. Learning skills can help us to learn better. Practicing can help us to remember the rules of technologies. There are some computer assisted teaching courses, computer-based training, integrated learning systems (which gets direct instruction, drill-and practice) to help us to know the technologies. The computer-based training enables the learner to learn according to his progress. Besides, multimedia may help the learner to learn faster.Constructivism.
It emphasize interactive learning. Active assimilation and accommodation are required for learners. Learners can learn new technologies by collaboration, self-directed exploration and discovery. They then construct information by thinking and interpreting experience.
In conclusion, behavorism helps new learners to adjust to the new technologies environment, cognitivism helps learners to get the knowledge of technologies. Constructivism helps learners to construct their own knowledge and explore more about technologies. Each learning theory complements the other and integrates into a good learning model.
The benefits of using technology in teaching and learning:
l Enhance teaching and learning ( e.g. Using multimedia in teaching and learning enhances learning and teaching)
l Effective and efficiency in learning and teaching (learn better, easier to get more information)
l Extend the mind( learn more and get more information)
l Fit Individual requirement and progress
l Provide Intellectual learning partners in learning
l Interactive in learning and teaching
l Provide more support ( e.g. internet searching )
Challenges:
l Resource:
Human skills and resistance
l Cost
Hardware and software
The potential of learning technologies to change the way we teach and the way we learn
There are a lot of benefits gained in using technologies in teaching and learning.
In the past, we just apply the learning theories in teaching and learning. With new technologies, we may consider using technologies to assist us in teaching and learning:
1. Find which way of learning ( from learning theories) is suitable to your case
2. Review which technology/technologies can enhance the teaching/learning
3. Seek help or advice for the technologies
4. Use the technology selected and integrates it in the teaching material or gets the suitable tools to assist us in learning.
Randomhku
This presentation gave us chances to exchange ideas with the other group memebers. I was the one to present and I felt that I needed improvement. Actually, there was not enough time for our team to prepare the presentation as we can only meet once every week. We need to find a better way of communication in order to improve group work.
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