Research-Based Theory on Learning and Instruction
Learning can be identified as the materialization and transformation of information which is in turn utilized to develop awareness of a particular area or discipline. Technology can be implemented to offer an integral component of education and learning. This quarter my classmates and I learned a lot in regards to Siemens and his theory of Connectivsm as it relates to fundamentals of learning in a digital age. Technology has the ability to provide better elasticity for education and learning with benefits such as online instruction and collaboration. Technology provides us with opportunities to expand our learning community and network by making connections with learners all over the world. Online learning environments allow individuals to feel less inhibited by allowing them to express themselves and still feel nearly anonymous.
Collaborating with students from all over the globe allows for the sharing of experiences from different perspectives. Learning about their various philosophies offers exposure to broader perspectives which can in turn make learning more exciting. Individuals learn best when the most effective and suitable learning theory is employed which outlines a plan for delivering and interpreting information as well as predicting the outcome. Educators have the responsibility of creating and delivering an educational environment that will undoubtedly nurture the learner’s erudition process and outcome. Technology will support the future demands of technology in preparing learners to compete in out global market by offering out students the tools they need to be successful.
References
Driscoll, M. P. (2005). Psychology of learning for instruction (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education.
Siemens, G. (2004). Connectivism: A learning theory for the digital age. Retrieved from
http://elearnspace.org/Articles/connectivism.htm
I like how you have compared using technology in education as being elastic. It does allow a huge amount of flexibility in the educational process including the amount of resources available. As predicted in the Horizon Report, we can see that the use of technology allows us to tap resources from any where in the world as a way to enlighten our view points. I agree that Connectivism is fundamental aspect of the foundation of technology in our educational process allowing us to make connections through my different avenues.
ReplyDeleteHi Ennis!
ReplyDeleteExcellent posting and thoughts about your theory of learning and instruction. I was especially interested in your comments about creating global learning communities where we interact with students around the globe. This addresses Siemens' idea of obtaining information from a variety of nodes or sources and obtaining different viewpoints. I think that if we do not incorporate a global learning aspect into our classes, we will end up with uncultured individuals who are part of what Siemens noted as the echo chamber. They only hear ideas similar to their own and they never develop or grow.
Ray