Learning Theory Module 1

Module 1 Blog Topic: Petti Arthur

1_What beliefs do you have about how people learn best? Define the purpose of learning theory in educational technology?

I believe that technology is an effective learning strategy in education, because it provides accessibility to help students locate information. Students use similar learning styles, such as textbooks, but they are able to access answers much faster with technology. Many corporations and institutions have been using this system for years, and students are now exposed to this system of learning. Using technology along with cognitive principles is an excellent strategy for students understand objectives and skills. Students can focus more on obtaining skills, because they do not have to use paper and pencil as much, although these are available learning tools. According to Briggs (1992) and Gagne (1992) cited in Saettler (2004) “instructional models replaced the behaviorist models. Even though they did not destroy them instead the essential parts of the models were upgraded with assessments analysis” (p. 344). According to Reigeluth (1995 stated in Saettler (2004) “An instructional design must include three things; (1) one or more instructional models; (2) a set of conditions under which model should be used, and (3) the oucomes (desired or actual) under each model under each set of conditions" (p.344). Saettler 2004) implied that Thorndike (2008) concepts were viewed as a prototype to the scientific methods (p. 344). Thorndike questioned if current learners are using different styles of learning from earlier learners, or maybe students are learning in different ways? Thorndike replied that students were “facilitating learning” due the availability of technology.

References:

Laureate Education, Inc. Video Presentation of Thorndike, D. (2008). The Impact of Technology on Learning. Retrieved From: http://laureate.ecollege.com/.

Saettler, P. (2004). The Evolution Of American Educational Technology. Information Age Publishing,

Inc. Greenwich, Ct.

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Collaboration Blog

Cognitivism as a Learning Theory_ Module  3. 2

by Petti Arthur

• Do people have a basic instinct to “interact and work as a group,” as proposed by Rheingold?
• How can technology facilitate collaboration among learners using constructivist principles?
• Identify a research study that has been conducted within 5 years about collaboration as an effective tool for learning. Include the link and reference for this study in your blog.

I believe humans need to interact in group work, because they enjoy the support and collaboration that group activities provide. Rheingold (2008) discussed “ways people use social media and cooperate groups activities to collaborate. He stated “Wikipedia” is an outgrowth of human's innate desire to work together as a group. Kerr (2007) stated “What is the best, and how do we know what makes sense or what doesn’t?” Kerr believed that lower level skills did not require higher functioning strategies. He suggested “lower level learning”required a behaviorist approach, like memorizing, recognizing, and labeling that is comparable to measurable skills. Downes and Kapp (2007) stated “isms” are not consistent. They tend to shift with persuasive influences. He believed learning theorists, who are selective about isms might provide significant findings in their empirical studies; like Skinner's behaviorism theory. According to Dede (1992) technology facilitates the way learners interpret and analyze technology, because learning emphasizes how representations and applications are made based on interactions among learners (p. 1). The innate principles provide people with basic predispositions, emotional capacities, and social skills that are used in practice through cultural institutions. Humans evolved to be naturally connected to cultural association and projects of their backgrounds. Below is a link that represents current research study about Collaborative Learning: Retrieved From:http://www.edb.utexas.edu/cscl/2010/readings/resta_2007.pdf.

References:

Dede, C. (1992). The Evolution of Constructivist Learning Environments. Graduate School of

Education. George Mason University. Fairfax, Virginia.

Kerr, B. (2007). Collaborations about _isms. Retrieved from

http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2007/01/isms-as-filter-not-blinker.

Kapp, K. (2007). Out and about. Collaboration on educational schools of thought. Retrieved from

http://www.kaplaneduneering.com/kappnotes/index.php/2007/01/out-and-about-discussion-on-

educational/

Rheingold, H. (2008). Collaborations and Groups. Retrieved from

http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/howard_rheingold_on_collaboration.

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