1. Educational Technology
Understanding the foundations of effective technology integration
SANKARSINGH,C TECH1001

2. Session 2
What are learning theories? Why do they matter? Who said what? Learning theories form the bases for instructional models.
How have learning theories shaped teaching & learning? Instructional models are grounded in learning theories. These theories influence the approach to instruction and technology integration.
Why are theory bases and instruction models fundamental to technology integration in learning environments? Technology integration strategies can be developed to support different instructional models based on instructional goals, learner’s needs etc.
How should you proceed? Technology integration requires planning (TIP Model)
What do you need? For technology integration to have a desired impact on teaching and learning, several conditions must exist.
SANKARSINGH,C TECH1001

3. Ice breaker

4. Two opposing perspectives: Objectivism and Constructivism
[ In this course] we explore 2 schools of thought on how human beings learn and acquire knowledge
OBJECTIVISM
CONSTRUCTIVISM
KNOWLEDGE resides OUTSIDE of the human mind.
KNOWLEDGE must be TRANSMITTED to the human mind.
TO LEARN is to STORE TRANSMITTED KNOWLEDGE in the human mind.
Humans construct ALL KNOWLEDGE in their minds by PARTICIPATING in certain EXPERIENCES.
TO LEARN is to acquire and construct PERSONALISED versions of knowledge via self rationalization, experimentation and discovery.

5. From the OBJECTIVIST perspective, instruction should be:
TRANSMITTED
SYSTEMATIC
STRUCTURED
STANDARDIZED
TEACHER-DIRECTED (THE SAGE ON THE STAGE)

6. Learning Theory Bases that support Objectivism
Behaviourism (as in the work of B.F. Skinner)
He believed that it was more productive to study DIRECT OBSERVABLE BEHAVIOUR rather than INTERNAL MENTAL events.
The best way to understand behaviour was to look at the CAUSES of action and its CONSEQUENCES.
Key Concepts: Contingencies of reinforcement (REWARD vs. PUNISHMENT), Operant conditioning, Programmed Learning.
(Do a research exercise)

7. Learning Theory Bases that support Objectivism
Information Processing Theory (as in the works of Atkinson & Shiffrin)
The learner is seen as a processor of information, in much the same way as a computer receives and stores information to later produce an output.
Key Concepts: Stimulus, Sensory Register, Short Term Memory, Schema, Encoding, Chunking, Long Term Memory.

8. Learning Theory Bases that support Objectivism
Cognitivism (as in the works of Robert Gagné). The set of factors that influence learning can be collectively called the CONDITIONS OF LEARNING. These conditions both internal and external shape the learning process.
KEY CONCEPT: 9 EVENTS OF INSTRUCTION, SKILLS HIERARCHY (Simple to Complex)

9. Learning Theory Bases that support Objectivism
Systems approaches/ theories (as seen in the works of Leslie Briggs, Mager, Merill, Reigeluth)
They believed that learning was most efficient when it was supported by a carefully designed system of instruction.
This is usually in the form of step-by-step processes; a highly structured sequence of instruction.

10. Constructivists believe instruction should be:
more LEARNER-CENTERED
more LEARNER-DRIVEN
EXPERIENTIAL
FLUID, OPEN, FLEXIBLE
Motivated by individual’s interests rather than exams & standard curriculum
Teacher is the GUIDE ON THE SIDE

11. Learning Theory Bases that support (Constructivism)
Social Activism Theory (as in the work of John Dewey)
Grandfather of constructivism
Learning should be hands-on and experience-based
The purpose of education was to GROW, PREPARE to take a role in society,
Learning only useful in the context of social experience.
Anti- standardization, pro-curriculum based on student interests.
Activity Theory & Scaffolding (as in the work of Lev Vygotsky)
A novice (child) and an expert (adult) view things very differently based on their cognitive functioning.
The Zone of Proximal Development refers to the this difference
SCAFFOLDING: The expert (adult teacher) determines where the child is in the development process and builds on it, gradually increasing the cognitive functioning to expert level. .

12. Learning Theory Bases that support (Constructivism)
Discovery Learning (as in the work of Jerome Bruner)
Active participation by the learner was crucial to the learning process.
Active participation is best achieved by providing/setting up DISCOVERY learning environments.
Allow learners to explore alternatives and recognize relationships between ideas.
Learners more likely to understand and remember things they discovered in their exploration.
Multiple Intelligences (as in the work of Howard Gardner)
IQ tests cannot judge all students’ability to learn.
Traditional academic tasks DO NOT REFLECT true ability.
There are at least 8 different and independent types of intelligences: linguistic, musical, logical-mathematical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, intrapersonal, interpersonal & naturalist.
(Set up an exercise with Ken Robinson’s Video)

13. At logger-heads? Students should all pass the same tests!
Standardization means accountability.
Inquiry approaches are too slow to be practical.

14. Objectivism & Constructivism are BOTH important to the instructional process
Some learning processes require more directed instruction than others.
Can you think of some examples?

15. Differences in Directed & Constructivist Approaches

16. Technology Integration in learning activities
Instructional models are grounded in learning theories.
Learning theories provide insight into the ways we believe human beings learn.
Instructional models can be directed, constructivist or blended, dependent on the educational goal, aim or need.
As teachers, we are now expected to integrate technology in our approach regardless of the model of our choice.

17. Technology Integration Strategies Based on Each Model
M. D. Roblyer Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching, 4/E Copyright ©2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved.

18. Suggested Tech-based Activities [More?]
Directed Models
Tutorial
drill-and-practice software
Drill-and-practice or
Instructional game software
Tutorial software or
online training course
Tutorial, drill-and-practice
Simulation software
Constructivist Models
Video –based scenarios
Graphic Tools, simulations
Internet & web services
Instructional games
Multimedia products, web
Production, desktop publishing
Multimedia products
Simulation, Problem-solving software
Both
Drill-and-practice, multimedia,
Hands-on
Simulations
Word processing, virtual tours,
Spreadsheets
Multimedia research products

19. How will I know what is required?
Technology Integration Planning
Model
How will I know what is required?
Technology is not used simply for the sake of technology.

20. TIP MODEL PHASE 1 Where am I as a teacher?
As a teacher you need to be able to identify where you are in regards to the framework of the TPaCK
TIP MODEL PHASE 1
Assess the Technological, Content & Pedagogical Knowledge:

21. TIP MODEL PHASE 2 What is the problem I am addressing?
Give evidence of problem
Are technology-based methods available to address the problem?
Do these methods provide a suitable and sufficient advantage?
Estimate the impact/benefit
Consider the time and work involved in setting it up. Is it worth it?
TIP MODEL PHASE 2
Relative Advantage:
Why should I use a technology-based method?

22. What outcomes do I expect from using the new methods?
What are the best ways for assessing these outcomes?
Written test? Short answers?
Products? Presentations? Web pages?
Rubrics?
Likert Scale? Survey?
TIP MODEL Phase 3
Decide on objectives & assessment
How will I know students have learned?

23. What kinds of instructional methods are needed in light of content objectives and student characteristics?
Single subject vs. interdisciplinary
Group work vs. individual
How can technology best support these methods?
How can I prepare students adequately to use technologies?
TIP MODEL Phase 4
Design Integration Strategies
What teaching strategies and activities work best?

24. Adequate hardware, software, media. What equipment do I need
Adequate hardware, software, media? What equipment do I need? How many computers per student?
Time to use resources? Do I need to book the lab in advance?
Special needs?
Trouble shooting?
TIP MODEL Phase 5
Prepare the instructional environment
Are essential conditions in place to support technology integration?

25. TIP MODEL Phase 6 Were objectives achieved? What do students say?
Could improving the environment improve results?
TIP MODEL Phase 6
Evaluate and revise integration strategies
What worked well, What could be improved?

26. Effective Technology Integration requires:
Trained Personnel
Access to Hardware, Software & Other Resources
Appropriate Teaching & Assessment Approaches
Technical Assistance
Shared Vision for Technology Integration
Standards Curriculum Support
Required Policies

27. Next Week: Teaching and Learning with Internet Technologies
Review this class on Blackboard