1. Theories of Learning
1.1. Cognitive Load
1.1.1. Principles
1.1.1.1. Based on cognitive human abilities, as the mental process we use everyday to memorize, create, understand, identify, analyze information
1.1.1.2. The cognitive load theory analyzes the limits of the memory in the brain, there are 2 types:
1.1.1.2.1. Working Memory
1.1.1.2.2. Long-Term Memory
1.1.2. Implications
1.1.2.1. Teaching how to memorize is a repetitious thing
1.1.2.2. Teachers need to be careful not to overload/underload students' brains in the classroom. An overload (too much stimulus), confuses students and makes them less likely to understand material. Under loading their brains (not enough stimulus) bores students and they will learn nothing.
1.2. Constructivism
1.2.1. Principles
1.2.1.1. The fact that knowledge is built through time
1.2.1.2. Every person is responsible of the amount of knowledge develops, the more we do, the more we learn
1.2.1.3. With every new experience we face, our knowledge is growing more and more
1.2.2. Implications
1.2.2.1. Constructivism works well with students that have previous knowledge on subject area. However, those students that do not have previous knowledge will be less likely to catch up and learn.
1.3. Connectivism
1.3.1. Priciples
1.3.1.1. Is a new era theory, it explains that knowledge is acquired through electronically social interaction, using technological tools as forums, blogs, websites, podcast
1.3.1.2. The learning process is made through connections of nodes or information sources
1.3.2. Implications
1.3.2.1. Students are more and more technologically advanced and make connections all over the world. Teachers also need to keep up to date with technology so as to assist their students in this changing and advancing society.
1.4. Behaviorism
1.4.1. Principles
1.4.1.1. Knowledge can be taught or learning can take place by using a specific stimulation (stimulus and response).
1.4.1.2. Using a plan of teaching, where you measure the previous behavior, after you observe the behavior and compare the result. If the goal is not succeed then the rules change. Examples of behaviorism, include the use of repetition, reward and/or punishment.
1.4.2. Implications
1.4.2.1. Learning is not always dependent on behavior, some students will be "excellent" students in their behavior but their grades may reflect otherwise.
1.4.2.2. The use of punishment and rewards does not work for all students. For example a student that is competitive and is likely to get a high grade will work harder for a reward because they know its achievable. However, a student who is passive, and is average in grades may not work hard for a reward because they already know that they will not be able to beat the competitive student in their grades.
2. Theories of Technology
2.1. Media Ecology
2.1.1. Principles
2.1.1.1. The media can control the format, type, velocity and the amount of information we can receive each day.
2.1.1.2. The information we receive can affect our behaviors and habits.
2.1.1.3. The media can also make our lives easier or more difficult by telling us what and what not to do in specific areas of our life.
2.1.2. Implications
2.1.2.1. In education it is important to teach students about the media and to be critical thinkers. We should include topics of the media into our classroom discussions to help students develop these critical thinking skills.
2.2. Social Construction of Technology (SCOT)
2.2.1. Principles
2.2.1.1. Confirms that the actions we do mold technology instead of the belief that technology molds man.
2.2.2. Implications
2.2.2.1. Some teacher will not be willing to include technology and accept it in their classrooms. This will be hard for students that are technologically apt, and learn better through this form.