Thursday, March 12, 2015

EDUC 7105 - Beliefs on the Role of a Learning Theory in Educational Technology

          I believe that learning, as an outcome, results from exploration from what is known to what can be. The learning process, or the exploration that occurs to obtain information, directly and continually impacts what a person knows. Therefore, as Driscoll (2005) asserts, “learning is a lifelong activity” (p. 2). Given that we are in a continual state of learning, the natural human response would be to obtain information in a format that makes the most sense to us.  As a consequence, I have come to the fundamental believe that the ability for one to obtain information differs from one person to another. While some have come to criticize Howard Garner’s work, his Multiple Intelligence Theory continues to inform the common understanding that students, and people, learn differently (Lane, n.d.).

          In light of the fact the people learn different, a teacher, or leader, in educational technology must then approach any opportunity for learning with programmed relevancy to ensure the learner has the appropriate tools needed to be successful within an educational environment. Driscoll (2005) suggests that a theory derives from investigative analysis made through “observation” (p. 4). Therefore, once an educational technologist understands the needs of their school/district environment, they can theoretically put in place technological tools, which based upon sound evidence, should improve the learning environment around them.

References:
Driscoll, M. P. (2005). Psychology of learning for instruction (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education.
Lane, C. (n.d.). Multiple Intelligences. Retrieved from http://www.tecweb.org/styles/gardner.html

I replied to the following blogs:
http://sue-educ7102.blogspot.com/
http://isaacu.blogspot.com/2015/03/module-1-blog-educ-7105-1educ-8845-1.html#comment-form

7 comments:

  1. Bianca,

    I think you have really made some good points and I agree to your points especially on the first paragraph of your write up. The second paragraph sounds right too but I cannot get it clear what the purpose of learning theory in educational technology is. Could you please, elaborate by emphasizing on this point.

    Thank you.

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    1. Hi Issac,

      I see your point, thank you for your feedback. In essence, I was trying to establish that the relevancy of learning theory to educational technology systematically ensures that the users are able to learn through technologies that enhance individual learning. I hope this clarifies my post.

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  2. Bianca,

    If I am understanding you correctly, you are stating that the person in charge of technology in a school needs to have a good understanding to ensure that the correct technology is used for the assignment/student. The technology director needs to work closely with the teacher to ensure what the needs are. Each classroom and group of students and assignments are unique and the teacher needs to have enough knowledge about technology to chose appropriately.

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  3. Bianca, You blog hit the "nail on the head" in my perspective espcially your references to Driscoll with "lifelong learning" and Graner's multilple intelligence theory. It is inherently natural for us to become lifelong learners whether we realize it or not along with the reality that we all have different ways of learning. From my years of experience, no one method is better than another one when you are dealing with learners from a myriad of backgrounds...Great post!

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    1. Thank you for sharing. I had to rewrite this post because I noticed that you commented on the wrong blog, my EDUC 7108 blogs are found under a different tab, please see above. Nevertheless, in response to your post here, I agree that technology offers all learners greater opportunities to learn.

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  4. Bianca,
    I enjoyed reading your post. As Adrian said "you hit the nail on the head" is right. I am in agreement with you that learning is ongoing and we, as the learner, finds a comfortable means and sticks with it (learning style). We all learn in a different way-me visual- others auditorial, etc. In respect, the educator must be able to adapt to many learning needs for their students. Thank you for posting
    sue

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