Response to: FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATIONAL THEORY FOR ONLINE LEARNING

The argument is made that it is not just the incorporation of technology in pedagogy that facilitates learning, but it is instead the design of the environment and the interactions and types of connections that the technology affords. Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not? How will you design your environment considering these concepts and the theories discussed?

The article, "Foundations of Education Theory for Online Learning” was a very interesting to read. The article stated "there is ongoing debate about whether it is the use of a particular delivery technology or the design of the instruction that improves learning".  Not only has this been looked at many times throughout the transformation of education but also recently in the push for increase in the STEM programs.

I believe technology that curriculum incorporating technology and not dominating it the students can enhance their learning environment.  The article states, "Students can access the online materials at anytime while synchronous online learning allows for real time interaction between students and the instructor".  I believe this is one reason why technology can enhance the learning environment of our students.  Not only does it show learning happening anytime and anywhere but it can also be a place where students feel comfortable to learn.  Technology does not make funny faces if a student asks a question that others may think is common sense therefore giving that child a safer environment to seek out answers he or she does not know.  "Learners can use the Internet to access up-to-date and relevant learning materials, and can communicate with experts in the field in which they are studying."  Not only can students have the ability to interact with other peers, teachers, and friends but they can also access experts in the field they are researching. However, I do believe technology cannot be the sole source of education today.  Many of our students still do not know how to access relevant credible information on the internet.  They still can struggle with shifting through the opinions before they can reach facts.  An instructor can help facilitate this path for the students and therefore giving them a more meaningful experience.  

Theories:

• Behaviorism: Study of the behavior and the use of positive reinforcements to encourage positive behavior.
• Cognitivism: Deals with the mind, beliefs and values
• Constructivism: Construction of knowledge based on the interpretations of the learner.
• Connectivism: Use of learning through constant positive connections.

The concepts and theories discussed in the article/video were relevant to thoughtful.  When looking at the cognitive school of learning stated in the article, memory and individual differences it made me think about my classroom and how I can incorporate this into it.  Cognitive psychology usually looks at memory motivation, thinking and reflections.  All these concepts have been incorporated in our curriculum for some time.  Some ideas I could bring into my classroom revolving around this concept is memory games.  There are various games I could have the students play to incorporate memory as a review for a test.  By incorporating memory using technology, not only does it give the students to learn study skills but they can also learn how to create their own.  Specialists "see learning as an internal process that involves memory, thinking, reflection, abstraction, motivation, and meta-cognition".  Technology can engage the student in the process of memory through various ways.  When I was in high school my classroom teachers seemed to always be on the same page. "Make flash cards, teach a friend or respond to the video."  What if the student can now be the creator of their own projects? Not only does it allow the student to become more engaged but it can also be a tool used for other students to study from.  

Another way I could change my environment based on the concepts talked about in the article is through individual differences.  "The cognitive school recognizes the importance of individual differences, and of including a variety of learning strategies in online instruction to accommodate those differences."  Technology has the unbelievable ability to allow students to develop their own identity, a technological footprint.  Studies shown when students are in charge of their own education, it makes the process more meaningful which is our ultimate goal.  One thing I could do in my health class would be allow the students an opportunity to create a project based on their individuality.   The students could pick something such as a slide show, video presentation, or even a commercial.  Based on the student’s needs, interests and abilities they can create their own technological based bibliography.  In physical education I could have the students use the same creativity to develop their own game.  The students can create their own rules, name, and equipment used in the game.  At the end of the project the students could post their games to a website and share them to others in the physical education field, for example PE central.  Not only could other students view these games but they can also be shared with various other physical education teachers around the world.

In conclusion, I believe all the concepts and theories discussed in the reading and video were useful to my classroom. technology is an essential tool to help enhance our learning environment.  It should not be the sole source of education but used as an opportunity to open more avenues for the students.  Technology allows us to develop create ideas and share them with multiple professionals and peers alike.

References

Ally, M. (n.d.). FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATIONAL THEORY FOR ONLINE LEARNING: Chapter 1. Retrieved January 11, 2015, from http://cde.athabascau.ca/online_book/ch1.html

Learning Theory and Online Course Design

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