Learning Theories

The blog discussion between Karl Kapp and Stephen Downs (http://karlkapp.blogspot.com/2007/01/out-and-about-discussion-on-educational.htm )is a great example of how technology has influenced how people think, learn, and communicate. As I read the discussion, I reflected on how much technology forces humans to expand their thinking. For instance, whether one prefers behaviorism or cognitivism it is necessary to study and understand both. Behaviorism worked to establish the institutions of its time. On the other hand, cognitivism helped raise additional questions and created alternative solutions. Furthermore, technology is providing the medium to “connect” the dialogue. Therefore, learning theories give us parameters to explore our thought processes.

Bill Kerr (2007) in his response blog (http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2007/01/isms-as-filter-not-blinker.html) helps bring the discussion of behaviorism and cognitivism to a common ground. Kerr (2007) asked the question, “Should we stick to -isms or should we be more pragmatic and just cherry pick different useful ideas out of the various theories?” Cherry picking from various theories can be a pleasing start. The behaviorist theory helps us better understand the role environment plays in learning. The cognitive learning theory provides a theoretical platform to explore how people learn. When using the best practices from each theory, we are able to view learning through a double-pane window.

References:

Kapp, K. (2007). Kapp Notes: Out and About: Discussion on Educational Schools. Retrieved from http://karlkapp.blogspot.com/2007/01/out-and-about-discussion-on-educational.htm

Kerr, B. (2007). Bill Kerr: _isms as filter, not blinker. Retrieved from http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2007/01/isms-as-filter-not-blinker.html