Reading about learning theories is an interesting task. It
is not always the most exciting reading but there are some great nuggets there.
Many times it is easy to identify with some aspects of a learning theory but
not with others. For example, when I read about Behaviorism and the “black box”
of learning, there is so much mystery and permanence there I have a hard time
readily accepting it as the true answer for how humans learn, especially when I
look at students. As I move through Cognitivism and Constructivism I find more
concepts that are applicable. But I always feel like there is something missing.
There are still explanations missing. Connectivism brings technology into education
and addresses how world changes affect how students learn (Siemens, 2004). Then
multiple intelligences enter the picture and affect the learning process for
students (Gardner, 2003).
As education moves into the digital world and embraces
distance learning and using technology in the classroom, I am excited. Being able
to use tools provides me the opportunity to find my own answers when needed. I
no longer need to remember “everything” or even where to find it, search tools
allow me to find the answers provided I ask the right questions. In a face to
face classroom it is very easy to be on the fringe and excuse a lack of quality
in assignments. In an online learning environment I need to be more responsible
for my own learning. In the online environment if I do not turn in my best attempt
then I have missed out. Now, maybe more than ever, students need to be active
learners who ask questions and question the information they are given. Do we
need to teach them to remember dates in history or show them how to find that information
when needed? And to think about the implications of history on the future?
Gardner, H.
(2003, April 21). Multiple intelligences
after twenty years. Paper presented to the American Educational Research Association,
Chicago, IL. Retrieved from http://www.pz.harvard.edu/PIs/HG_MI_after_20_years.pdf.
Siemens, G.
(2004, December 12). Connectivism: A
learning theory for the digital age. Retrieved from http://elearnspace.org/Articles/connectivism.htm.
