Learning Theories &
Technology Integration
3/21/2016
Musgrove – Broward College
A “Process”
Educational Technology is a combination of
the processes and tools involved in
addressing educational needs and
problems, with an emphasis on applying
the most current tools: Computers and
their related technologies.
3/21/2016
Musgrove – Broward College
Directed Instruction
Directed
– Behaviorism
– Information Processing
3/21/2016
Musgrove – Broward College
Behaviorism
Skinner - Behaviors and
Consequences
– Stimulus – Response
– Reinforcement/Punishment
Outcome oriented
Believed strongly in
“learning machines”
(computers) that could
monitor behavior and
deliver reinforcements
3/21/2016
Musgrove – Broward College
Contribution of Behaviorism
Classroom management
– Behavior Modification
Programmed instruction
– Drill & Practice with reinforcement
3/21/2016
Musgrove – Broward College
Information Processing
Memory & Storage
Sensory>STM>LTM
Biological basis of learning
Dual Processing
Practice, practice, practice
– Distributed rather than massed
– Elaborative rather than rote
3/21/2016
Musgrove – Broward College
Directed Models
Focus on teaching sequences of skills
from lowest – highest
Clear objectives and matching tests
Individual more than group work
Lectures, Skill worksheets, activities and
texts with specific expected responses
Based on Skinnerian model
3/21/2016
Musgrove – Broward College
Theory into the Classroom
Directed Instructional Strategies
work well when...
Students are motivated to learn
Instruction well designed and routine
Special needs children
3/21/2016
Musgrove – Broward College
Problems with Directed Instruction
Can students problem solve?
Can students apply skills?
What’s this got to do with my life?
– Isolation
– Not authentic
Can students cooperate with others?
– Cultural differences
3/21/2016
Musgrove – Broward College
Constructivist Theorists
John Dewey 1859-1952
Political liberal - Philosopher
Curriculum should arise from
student’s interests
Curriculum should be integrated
Education is growth not an end in
itself
Education occurs though it’s
connection to real life
Learning should be hands-on
3/21/2016
Musgrove – Broward College
Jean Piaget
(1896-1980)
4 stages of cognitive
development
Learning by
assimilation or
accommodation
Teaching with
concrete examples
3/21/2016
Musgrove – Broward College
Lev Vygotsky
(1896-1934)
Cognitive development is directly
linked to social development
–
–
–
–
Individual differences
Personal creativity
Influence of culture
Language use
Zone of proximal development –
Scaffolding by adults
3/21/2016
Musgrove – Broward College
Jerome Bruner
Still alive!
Children’s stages of cognitive
development
Benchmarks of cognitive
development
Discovery Learning
3/21/2016
Musgrove – Broward College
Constructivist Models
Focus on learning through posing
problems, possible answers, developing
products and presentations
Abilities to problem solve
Research Skills & Exploration
Stress group work over Individual work
Alternative, authentic assessments e.g.
portfolios
3/21/2016
Musgrove – Broward College
Theory into the Classroom:
Constructivism
Solve real life problems
Student’s construct knowledge themselves
NOT simply by receiving it from
knowledgeable teachers
Theorists vary on their opinions of how
much structure student projects should
have.
3/21/2016
Musgrove – Broward College
Problems with Constructivism
It is difficult for teachers to certify
individuals skill learning
Prerequisite skills may be lacking
Students may not choose the most
effective instruction
Not all topics suit constructivist methods
Skills may not transfer to practical
situations
3/21/2016
Musgrove – Broward College
How Constructivism Impacts
Curriculum
Elimination of a standardized curriculum
Use curricula customized to the students'
prior knowledge
Emphasizes hands-on problem solving.
3/21/2016
Musgrove – Broward College
How Constructivism Impacts
Assessment
Elimination of grades and standardized
testing
Assessment part of the learning process
Students play a large role in judging their
own progress
3/21/2016
Musgrove – Broward College
Technology Integration
“Integrating educational technology is the
process of determining which electronic
tools and which methods for implementing
them are appropriate for given classroom
situation and problems.”
M.D.Roblyer 2002
3/21/2016
Musgrove – Broward College
Technology Integration –
Directed Models
To remedy identified weaknesses
To promote fluency or automaticity of
prerequisite skills
3/21/2016
Musgrove – Broward College
Technology Integration Constructivist
To foster creativity
To increase transfer of knowledge to
problem solving
To foster group cooperation
To allow for multiple intelligences e.g.
Gardner
3/21/2016
Musgrove – Broward College
Technology Integration – all
theories
Generates motivation to learn
Optimize scarce personnel and material
resources
To make it easier for students to create
and adjust assignments
To develop information literacy and visual
literacy
3/21/2016
Musgrove – Broward College
3/21/2016
Musgrove – Broward College