Learning Theory Review

In the early 1900’s psychologists began taking a concerted interest in learning theories. They began wondering how learning takes place. In the 1930’s BF Skinner was one of the most influential psychologists and he established the science of behaviorism. Behaviorism is a learning theory based on the premise that learning can be understood by observable events. If you can see it, then you can learn it. Since that time other learning theories such as cognitivism, constructivism and constructionism have become leading learning theories. As we are in a technological age, the question which of these learning theories has an impact on educational technology.

I would like to begin by explaining cognitivism and constructivism. Cognitivism falls under the belief that we organize information. In that organization we gain understanding. The initial understanding is short-term memory. However, when we can connect this new information to existing information from our memory, we are able to create long term memory learning. Jean Piaget determined that humans learn from thinking, and this is in direct response to behaviorism which states that human learn from seeing and then doing. Behaviorism is repetition and memorization, and cognitivism is more about the processing of new information as it is related to existing information.

Constructivism is a learning theory that determines learners construct knowledge, instead of passively taking it in. When problem solving, learners will consider their own experiences, and based on that they create their own representation. An emphasis is placed on collaboration and letting the learner construct or build their knowledge rather than it being told to them. Again, in constructivism, the basis of learning is the learners personal experience and knowledge. Constructivism focuses on the learners having an active role, and cognitivism is more about the mental processing occurring such as problem solving, memory and perception. Constructivism believes that learning is simple and just a simple shift in our mental understanding to make room for something new that has been experienced.

In the present day, educational technology, and constructivism work together in harmony for the learner. Most learners, even at a young age, have experience with technology. Pre-schoolers know how to operate an iPad or smart phone and as they grow in the educational system, they automatically grow with the educational technology. They take their current experience and knowledge of their world, and as they learn new educational technology, the new information creates a mental shift in their understanding of the new knowledge acquired. With the constructivist premise that better learning takes place when learners take an active part in the learning environment, education technology lends that each learner can actively participate in the learning experience whether it be through discussion groups, gamification, and other multi-media learning.

Based on the research of Asiksov and Ozdamli, “For this reason, the role of technology is significant when the students produce new learning products and communicate during the learning-teaching period. Technology can be used to facilitate students’ understanding during the learning period. Using technology in learning environments provides students with a richer learning environment, attracts their attention, increases their motivation and helps them remember the previous information about the subject. Information construction does not only happen with the learner interactions in their physical environments, it is also constructed with the interactions in social and technological environments in an active way.” (Asiksov, page 134).

As I look back at my own educational experience, the importance of computers and internet driven my field of study. In 1994 I attended my first computer class, which was Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. It was a required course, and I did not want to take it. The professor asked who in the class, thought that computers would just be a fad and they are only taking this course because it was required. I raised my hand and explained my word processor typewriter was adequate and all I needed. He predicted that by the end of the course I would find the greatest value in computers. Not only was he correct, but I ended up pursuing a career in eLearning where I am on computers and use educational technology daily. My creativity is only limited by my understanding of technology and how to apply good instructional design for the courses I create. Using my understanding of constructivism, educational technology, and instructional design, I do my best to create curriculum and courseware to engage the learner in active learning.

Resources:

Asiksoy, G., & Ozdamli, F. (2017). An Overview to Research on Education Technology Based on Constructivist Learning Approach. Cypriot Journal of Educational Sciences, 12(3), 133-147.

Reiser, R. A., & Dempsey, J. V. (Eds.). (2017). Trends and Issues in Instructional Design and Technology (4th ed.). Pearson.