EDUC 7105 Learning Theory and Educational Technology Blog Post #1
I believe that people need multi-sensory input in order to learn. They need to have an idea of what is expected from a model or concept and they need multiple and various repetition or experiences to solidify their learning. The purpose of learning theory in educational technology is to focus on purposeful concepts that cause particular responses when enacted. These particular responses can lead teachers or educational technologists to form methods of using technology to achieve educational goals.
The critical elements of a learning theory are how learning occurs, the factors that influence learning, the role of memory, how transfer occurs, and the types of learning. (Siemans,2008) Driscoll tells us that a learning theory requires defining three components; the results or changes in performance, the means or processes that bring about the changes, and the inputs or experiences that form the basis for learning. (Driscoll,2005). Both Driscoll and Siemens were thorough in their key questions and criteria. Their elements work well across all the theories presented. If I were to question what was missing or what questions would I ask, I would inquire about how the theories would be applied going forward into the future and their usefulness for educational technology of the future. Even if technology changes the way learning takes place and transfers and the way memory plays a part in the different types of learning, Driscoll and Siemans have laid a solid foundation for educational technologists to use in formulating learning situations.
Siemens’s “metaphors of educators” describes the different roles educators find themselves playing in order to facilitate learning. He entitles one role as “teacher as Master Artist”, with the studio approach. I particularly related to the idea of students posting their work on a blog for everyone to read and critique. Another role is that of “Educator as Network Administrator”; this role allows for the teacher to help students to form learning connections and networks. The role of “Educator as Concierge” lets the educator direct the learner to a variety of experiences and resources. The final role of “Educator as Curator” the expert learner who creates a carefully created learning environment is the teacher who allows the learner a controlled freedom to explore learning.
The role I believe an instructor should take in a K-12 digital classroom or workplace is that of the curator. Certainly allowing students the freedom to explore and create but in a controlled environment with carefully constructed concepts, displays, and ideas.
Another metaphor that might describe the role of the instructor in the digital classroom might be that of symphonic conductor. This instructor would have a variety of melodies, movements, tempos and instruments, and would allow the student to experience the various parts of a symphonic piece within the confines of the constructed work even to the point of allowing the student to experiment with each component. Conducting the basic work, being there for the student, but allowing creativity and experimentation and building upon a given work would all be acceptable in this venue.
References:
Driscoll, M.P. (2005). Psychology of learning for instruction (3rd ed.). Boston: Pearson Education, Inc.
Siemens, G. (2008, January 27). Learning and knowing in networks: Changing roles for educators and designers. Paper presented to ITFORUM. Retrieved from http://it.coe.uga.edu/itforum/Paper105/Siemens.pdf
Here is a blog of an educational technologists that I enjoyed regarding the roles of instructors.
http://blogs.adobe.com/educationleaders/2009/05/redefining_the_role_of_the_tea_1.html
I agree to your blog posting. Learning needs variety in order to meet the needs of each individual within an instructional setting. The problem that many educators face today is the fact that each individual educational needs/background buildup is totally different. It is rare that you find a set of particular students on the same educational level, especially in low SES areas. With this in mind, education has transformed from the teacher centered role to student centered to not leave a student behind.
ReplyDeleteYou stated that you feel the educator should be the curator in a digital classroom, but do you think this will ever be? Especially with so much emphasis being placed on students passing state assessment tests and teachers focused on teaching students to the test? Will their be time for discovery learning??
Yeah, let's talk about mandated assessments since for my school we are about to take the CRCT in 3 weeks. I began pondering this issue with the first chapter of the Driscoll text. It seems to me that mandated testing requires a combination of learning theory. Students must know the basic skills and then apply them in challenging contexts. Unlike many of my peers, a part of me believes that standardized testing plays a valuable role in the educational process. This is because we need an accurate measure to determine strengths and weaknesses to plan instruction. Where I don't agree with it is when it is all dependent upon one test on one day and when our governor wants to base our pay on it next year!!
ReplyDeleteI believe the curatorial style allows teachers to set up a structured and applicable learning situation that provides the opportunity for students to explore the information. With curatorial teaching, the teacher is actively involved to provide the right resources to keep students on target. Therefore, the actual authentic learning prepares students for applying knowledge in any context, whether it be a blog or a test.
Your blog link was fantastic. Her models of teaching were closely linked to Siemens in a practical sense. The most impressive comment was the idea that paying attention to how you teach is just as important as what we teach. I think this is the missing link in many classrooms today and should be discussed in professional development programs to increase awareness.
Great post, very informative and proficient!
Marci
The Curator in the classroom...
ReplyDeleteThis is the ideal and somewhere in some classroom this is happening. Still I feel that I must strive for this achievement so as to bring the best kind of teaching and learning to my students. How we teach is so important. Being reflective of that teaching is what sets the good teacher apart from the great ones. The best thing about teaching is that we can always improve upon our craft.