Module 1 Blog Topic:
- What are your beliefs about how people learn best? What is the purpose of learning theory in educational technology?
Learning is a proactive and meaningful experience. For this reason, the learner must be engaged and take ownership in his or her learning. One of the ways educators can engage learners and help them to gain ownership in their learning, is through educational technology. Educational technology provides a platform to approach learning from a multidisciplinary standpoint. For instance, before designing technologies for learning philosophical view and psychological effects should be considered. Considering philosophy and psychology allow designers and educators the opportunity to develop appropriate technologies to reach all learning styles and preferences.
Equally important, is the role learning theory plays in educational technology. Learning theory helps to guide the development of educational technologies. Learning theory gives insight on how learners best learn. Knowing how learners learn further advances the idea that learning must be proactive and meaningful. In addition, learning theory in educational technology assists with education reform. Siemens (2008) discussed education reform by focusing on the changing roles of educators and designers. He examines the changes in the conceptual level. The conceptual level provides a framework for educators and designers to explore the theory. Exploring theory helps to develop and employ appropriate educational technologies for equitable learning outcomes. Therefore, providing opportunities for engaging and meaningful learning.
Reference:
Siemens, G. (2008). Learning and knowing in networks: Changing roles for educators and designers. Paper presented to ITFORUM. Retrieved from http://it.coe.uga.edu/itforum/Paper105/Siemens.pdf
