Learning in a Digital World

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.

Learning Theory _ism's

So, I just read a blog conversation between Bill Kerr, Karl Kaplan, and Stephen Downes about learning theories. This conversation started in 2007 and to some extent is still ongoing. But I was struck by the passionate statements made. After reading their comments, I am more convinced than ever that learning theories are great at generalizations but lacking when we start to discuss detail. They provide a great framework for educators to build on. But as educators we need to build the framework from each theory rather than accepting an established framework in its entirety. Bill Kerr (2007) made a comment about cherry picking useful ideas from the _ism’s. Let’s pick those cherries and make a cherry pie. Every good cook knows that to get a really flavorful pie you need several varieties of cherries. Good teachers know they need to pick and choose strategies with students to really help those students learn. What works with one class may not work with others. There is no one-size-fits-all. Why do teachers then feel they need to fashion their classroom in a way that agrees with a specific learning theory?

I am taking a class right now where we are looking at learning theories, the _ism’s. And quite honestly some of those theories seem to talk in circles. When I think of that student sitting in my classroom who reads below grade level and is having trouble keeping up, I am not thinking about which learning theory will work best. I am thinking about how I can help that student catch up. When I read about the _ism’s I see every student in every theory. I teach high school, so I am not going to teach that student how to read, rather I am going to look for tools and help that student compensate for a deficiency, to bring their skills to grade level or as close as possible.

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