Cognitivism as a Learning Theory

In the field of education –isms are the norm. Every few years there is a new –ism that is adopted by the powers that be.  That is expected to be seen in each and every classroom regardless of whether or not this –ism is in the best interest of the students in your classroom. I do believe that there is validity in all of the –isms, however every –ism many not apply to every student.  It is important that we not pigeon whole education for teachers or students. Education is a marvelous entity that can be acquired via multiple ways. –Isms are great for helping educators identify how students learn best and using these strategies to help students acquire the skills they need to be successful in the educational process.  For this reason I find Kerr’s view of the –isms to be very insightful.  Kerr’s concluding statement that –isms are important but use them as a filter, not as a blinker (Kerr, 2007). Kapp states that we need to take pieces from each school of thought …cognitivism doesn’t explain 100% how humans process information and neither does constructivism or behaviorism (Kapp, 2007). It is apparent that the study of human thought and the thought process will always evolve. As educators it is our job to filter through this information and find what is best for our students.

References

Kerr, B. (2007, January 1). _isms as filter, not blinker [Web log post]. Retrieved from http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2007/01/isms-as-filter-not-blinker.html

Kapp, K. (2007, January 2). Out and about: Discussion on educational schools of thought [Web log post]. Retrieved from http://www.kaplaneduneering.com/kappnotes/index.php/2007/01/out-and-about-discussion-on-educational/

Module 1 Assignment

What are your beliefs about how people learn best? What is the purpose of learning theory in educational technology?

In my studies of modalities, brain-based learning, constructivism and teaching experience; I have come to realize that all students have their own learning style, that the brain processes information in a multitude of ways that are appropriate for learning, and that allowing student the opportunity to build upon their own experience helps students develop and understand concepts.  I developed an understanding that all students do not learn in the same ways. George Siemen states that teaching and learning for the future will require that educations roots as “factory school model” is no longer compatible with the digital age students of today (Siemens, 2008, p. 8).

Learning theory is important to educational technology because all forms of education must utilize some method of ensuring student learning. Behaviorism has led to the develop of instruction with goals that should be achieved and managing learning (Driscoll, 2005, p. 57). This is important to educational technology because technology is now providing teachers the ability to identify student achievement via learning management programs such as DIBELS or STAR Reading and Math.  Even some textbooks include online capabilities.

Resources:

Driscoll, M.P. (2005). Psychology of learning for instruction (3^rd ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education.

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.