Learning Theory and Educational Technology

What are your beliefs about how people learn best? What is the purpose of learning theory in educational technology?

I believe that people learn best when they are exposed to their best learning style. Learning styles is defined as “those educational conditions under which a student is most likely to learn.” (Stewart & Felicetti, 1992). When people discover what brings about their best understanding of information, they tend to use that strategy to learn. Although there are many different learning styles that people posses, they all fall under one of the three main learning styles. Those learning styles are visual, auditory and kinesthetic. “Visual learners prefer using images, pictures, colors, and maps to organize information and communicate with others.” (learningstylesonline.com, 2012). Auditory learners learn best by hearing. Herron (2012) explains that auditory learners benefit best from verbal instruction and discussion of material. Kinesthetic learners learn best by doing. Hands-on activities are their primary and best way to learn. Tanahill (2009) explains that kinesthetic learners are individuals that learn best through hands-on practice, demonstrations, and physical activities. Tanahill (2009) also explains that they have the tendency to learn through trial and error as they repeatedly practice a new skill, task or concept.

When discussing learning and educational technology, there are many theories to support that learning is taking place. Anderson (2008) explains that in order for learning to take place in educational technology, online materials must be designed properly, with the learners and learning in focus, and that adequate support must be provided. So basically, the theory about learning can co-exist within educational technology as long as it has a strong instructional design base for learning.

Anderson, T (2008). The theory and Practice of Online Learning. 2^nd Edition. Published by AU Press, Athabasca.

Herron, R. (2012). What Is Auditory Learning Style? eHow. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/facts_6145005_auditory-learning-style_.html

Learningstylesonlne.com, (2012). Discover your Learning Styles - Graphically! Retrieved from http://learning-styles-online.com/

Stewart, K. L., & Felicetti, L. A. (1992). Learning styles of marketing majors. Educational Research Quarterly, 15(2), 15-23.

Tanahill, K. (2009). Kinesthetic Learning Style: Strategies for Teaching Hands-on Learners in the Classroom. Retrieved from http://suite101.com/article/kinesthetic-learning-style-a162063



Blogs I responded to :

Mick Malkemus - http://gamification.anazana.com/en/blog-113203 
Schquetta Hawkins - http://learningtheoryeducationaltechnology05.blogspot.com/

 

 

 

 

Author: Leslie Moller
Date: Tuesday, June 5, 2012 10:23:28 PM EDT
Subject: Blogs

Hi folks,

let's use this thread to list your blog url for your classmates.

You still will be posting your blog url to the drop box each module, this space is for you to communicate with each other. You get to pick who, at least 2 others, you want to post messages to each module. I do think i ts a good idea to switch around so you get to see a variety of opinions and ideas.

Remember its your blog, you have to stick to the topic but go out on a limb some times, post questions or arguments, sort of a free thinking or pondering place.