Theories of Learning and Technology

1. Connectivism

1.1. Based on using a network to collect information and facilitate learning.

1.2. Techniques within this learning style: -Social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube

1.3. Theorists: -Siemens -Downes

2. Cognitivism

2.1. Cognitive Load Theory: Too much outside influence or too little interest can affect someone's ability to learn

2.2. Based on thinking of the brain as a computer. Uses a system of schema for memory.

2.2.1. (Schema can be thought of as a filing system.)

2.3. Techniques within this learning style: -Prezi -Mnemonic devices

2.4. Theorists: -Piaget -Chomsky

3. Media Ecology

3.1. A study of how media as an environment affects people, and they behavior and understanding of the world.

3.2. Theorists: -McLuhan -Fiore

4. TPACK

4.1. Technological, Pedagogical and Content Knowledge.

4.2. TK: Understanding of technology and how we can make it work in the educational world.

4.2.1. Technology in the classroom, computer capabilities and internet usage.

4.3. PK: Understanding of which methods are most effective in teaching students.

4.3.1. Studies of education and students, and the most useful techniques discovered.

4.4. CK: Understanding of the subject being taught.

4.4.1. Curriculum, related information.

4.5. Theorists: -Shulman

5. Constructivism

5.1. Based on thinking of the mind as a network. Learning happens when problems are solved to understand complex concepts.

5.2. Techniques within this learning style: -Programming games -Real life problem solving

5.3. Theorists: -Vygotsky -Foerester

6. Behaviorism

6.1. Based on stimulus-response. Much repetition allows for learning.

6.2. Techniques within this learning style: -Mad Minutes -Mathblasters -Lecturing -Reward systems

6.3. Theorists: -Pavlov -Watson -Thorndike -Skinner

7. Social Construction of Technology

7.1. (Aka: SCOT)

7.2. The theory that human actions, needs and wants affect technology rather than vice-versa.

7.3. Theorists: -Bijker -Pinch

8. Teachnology

8.1. Process of using technology in the classroom.

8.2. This in turn encourages critical thinking and diverse understanding of the subject for students.

8.3. Each teacher has their own philosophy on how this will work and to what extent they will use it.

8.4. Technology not necessarily to be used constantly, but as a tool to facilitate learning.