Reflection on Learning Theories and Technology

Eight weeks ago, I started examining learning theories and synthesized my personal definition. At that time, I agreed most with the idea that learning is a communication process. The teacher and students take turns being senders and receivers of information. Each person has perceptual filters through which he/she interprets the information. The message travels through channels and internal as well as external interference must be dealt with. After exploring several other learning theories, I have decided that I still believe that learning fits into the pattern of the communication process, but there are broader contexts that must be addressed in learning. The three theories that I think are most important for me to apply in my classroom are the social, cognitive, and constructivist learning theories.

Communication is, by nature, social, so these two concepts complement each other well. Dr. Orey described social learning theory as having two necessary components: learners interact with others and their environment and need a more knowledgeable other to help acquire new concepts (Laureate, 2009). All parties involved must communicate clearly for this learning to be effective.

As part of the communication process, the teacher and peers help the learners to process new information. The information must go through the senses and be “practiced” in such a way that it can transfer from short term to long term memory. This is the cognitive learning theory (Laureate, 2009).

The last theory, constructivism, states that true learning has happened when students can make something that shows their understanding of the lessons and share it with others (Laureate, 2009). The lessons and sharing occur within the context of the communication process.

With these theories in mind, I will be using cooperative learning groups more. The technologies I will have the groups use most are wikis and concept maps. The wikis offer an opportunity for students to learn socially in ways that are not possible otherwise. I teach high school English and have five classes. With wikis, students from the different classes will be able to communicate with each other and share information and ideas. Students will also be more engaged in the lessons since they will be able to help each other and will be using a technology that is more interesting than a traditional handout. I will also have student groups create and fill in my pre-made skeleton concept maps. This will aid in cognitive processing of information. Applying technologies in context of learning theories has great potential to increase student engagement and overall learning.

As I make changes to the way I teach based on my understanding of learning theories, my goal is to use technologies to facilitate learning in a way that is seamless. I want each new technology to become part of the lesson, not to stand out as an attention grabber that distracts from the lesson. To achieve this, I need to be clear about the learning objectives for each lesson, how the technology will enhance the learning, and how to use the technology myself. I will start each lesson plan with identifying the standards that will be covered and periodically review texts from my master’s classes to refresh my understanding of learning and the use of technologies. Finally, I will maintain my professional learning community by communicating with the technology specialists and other colleagues in my building as well as colleagues through the internet.



References

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Cognitive learning theories. Baltimore:Orey, M.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Constructionist and constructivist learning theories. Baltimore: Orey, M.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Social learning theories.Baltimore: Orey, M.