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.
Very well said John! I appreciate the way you illustrated theories with the "windows of a house" metaphor. I think that all of these theories could work when applied in a given situation, like a digital classroom, because each individual learns differently. You might benefit from a connectivist approach and I might benefit from a behaviorist approach... The mind is such a complex thing, and learning will reflect the individual processing of information based on experiences and opinions and internal/external factors. I look forward to learning more about all the theories and, like you said, gain a greater viewing perspective.
ReplyDeleteJohn,
ReplyDeleteI like the analogy of windows and panoramic picture as well. Taking panoramic view photos is one of my favorite features of the Iphone. It creates a whole new world and I think that this is what learning is all about, you see a whole new world. A learner, upon seeing a whole new world, can let go of his or her limitations, and can move on as a confident individual - welcoming new opportunities and seeing other people's perspectives. Restricting ourselves into learning through one set of theoretical lens could limit us as well. We need to broaden our horizons in teaching and learning. I think that this is the way that educators of the 21st century (I like your site name) can make a true impact to our new sets of learners.
You provide interesting illustrations of the learning theories. Educational technology involves all learning theories. Conectivist involves connecting with technology, such as within an online learning classroom.The behaviorist environment involves performance. Constructivist involves structuring the organization of learning. Cognitivism focuses on the inner mental activities.
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