I believe the best environment for learners to thrive in is one that includes a blend of each learning theory. Each learning theory, (behaviorist, cognitivist, constructivist, and connectivist), has various pros and cons. However, if I had to choose one over the others as the most effective theory for helping people learn in the 21st century, the choice would be the connectivist theory.
In a behaviorist environment, “practice makes perfect” because learning is essentially recognition of basic cause and effect or punishment and reward systems (Behaviorism, 2010). In a cognitivist learning environment, retention and recall is emphasized. In a constructivist environment, learning is doing. In a connectivist environment, “learning is a process of connecting information sources” (Burke, 2013).
Theories are like the windows in a house. A person can look through different windows in the same room, and leave with different perspectives (Behaviorism, 2010). If this is true, then I believe the purpose of learning theory in educational technology is to provide a connectivist environment similar to panoramic photos, a new feature on Apple’s iPhone. The panoramic photo feature allows users to create a picture view that is substantially larger than pictures taken with an ordinary camera. “The iPhone doesn't include a panoramic lens; instead, it uses software to stitch together multiple photos into a single, large image” (Costello, 2013).
Imagine those windows of the house connected just as the panoramic pictures are. This would create a greater viewing perspective. Just the same, connectivism allows other learning theories, methodologies, and perspectives to connect in a way that causes the whole to be greater than the sum of its parts. According to Burke (2013), the “capacity to know is more important that what is currently known.” Connectivism allows learners to obtain more knowledge and insight on learning topics than they could have with just one window, or one snap of a picture.
References
Behaviorism,
cognitivism, constructivism, & learning and instructional theory [video file]. (June,
2010). Available from Youtube website: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YOqgXjynd0
2010). Available from Youtube website: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YOqgXjynd0
Burke, S. (February, 2013). Connectivism [video file]. Available from Youtube website:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-20Oqm1GvsU
Costello, Sam. (2013). How to use the iPone camera. About.com. Retrieved from
http://ipod.about.com/od/introductiontotheiphone/qt/Using-The-Iphone Camera.htm.
