THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY

Educational Technology Educational Technology includes any media that is used for instruction

Anything used to help teach students can be considered educational technology.

Educational Technology Educational technology is any technology that is used to support teaching and learning.  Allyn and Bacon 2005

Educational Technology and Instruction Technology are the tools to help create an effective instructional event Instructional events = all teaching methods and learning experiences Learning environment = physical and non-physical aspects where instruction takes place  Allyn and Bacon 2005

LEARNING

LEARNING is a transfer of knowledge that can be ensured only when all components of the process have been incorporated (Lever-Duffy, et al., 2005)

LEARNING Variety of theories explain how we learn Each theory offers a different perspective or view as to how learning occurs Some theories may be contradictory Teachers must decide on theory for themselves

Learning Theories Proper planning and effective use of tools and methods are key to successful teaching and learning

Learning Theories Learning as Communication Knowledge is transferred from sender to receiver Receiver returns feedback to sender Sender receives feedback Variables may alter intended meaning.

Learning as Communication

Learning as Communication Factors Affection Communication

Learning as Communication Environmental Factors Any factor that may cause a learner to lose focus Can block communications Lighting, movement, temperature may interfere with communications

Learning as Communication Psychological Factors Individual differences that define and impact communicated information Emotional state may interfere with message reception Learning styles may interfere with transmission  Allyn and Bacon 2005

Learning as Communication Personal Filters Individual’s values, heritage, and belief system May include attitudes, cultural differences, and opinions Filters are present in both sender and receiver  Allyn and Bacon 2005

Behaviorist’s Perspective Learning Theories Behaviorist’s Perspective All behavior is a response to external stimuli Students learn in response to rewards and punishments Learning is a passive response to the environment  Allyn and Bacon 2005

Cognitivist’s Perspective Learning Theories Cognitivist’s Perspective Focus is on learning as a mental operation Information enters through senses Learning is explained by how one thinks Believe learning is more complex than behaviorist responses  Allyn and Bacon 2005

Constructivist’s Perspective Learning Theories Constructivist’s Perspective Knowledge is constructed as a result of the learning process Learning occurs when knowledge is assimilated or accommodated (Piaget) Knowledge may be constructed best in a social context  Allyn and Bacon 2005

Characteristics that might have an impact on learning VIEW OF THE LEARNER Characteristics that might have an impact on learning Cognitive style Learning style Intelligence

Learning Theories Cognitive Styles Manner in which one thinks and interprets the environment Myers-Briggs helps determine cognitive preferences Understanding cognitive styles helps teachers create supportive environments

Learning Theories Myers-Briggs Cognitive Types

Learning Theories Learning Styles Conditions under which one learns best Relates to individual sensory dominance Auditory learners learn best by listening Visual learners learn best by seeing Kinesthetic/Tactile learners learn best by doing and touching

The Learner Intelligence Inherent capabilities to learn and understand Standford-Binet tests emphasize logical/mathematical and verbal capabilities Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences emphasizes multiple capabilities

Multiple Intelligences The Learner Multiple Intelligences Verbal-Linguistic Mathematical-Logical Visual-Spatial Bodily-Kinesthetic Interpersonal Intrapersonal Naturalistic Existential Musical  Allyn and Bacon 2005

The Learner Multiple Intelligences

Multiple Inteligences Linguistics – verbal skills/talents related to sound, meaning & ryhthms Logical-mathematical – conceptual & logical thinking Musical – talents/abilities related to sound, rhythm & pitch Spatial – skill in thinking in pictures & visioning abstract

Multiple Inteligences Bodily-kinesthetic – skill in controlling body movements Interpersonal – responsive to others Intrapersonal – high-degree of self awareness & insight Naturalistic – skills in recognizing, categorizing & interacting with natural world Existential – ability to consider & deal with questions of human existence

Let’s try a Learning Style Inventory…

For Learning Inventory Assessment

Teaching = a systematic, planned sequence of events Teaching and Learning Teaching = a systematic, planned sequence of events A process that communicates ideas/skills Takes into account individual and environmental factors Aware of learning theories & learner characteristics

Teachers should be aware of: Teaching and Learning Teachers should be aware of: strengths and weaknesses of own teaching style learning theories learning style of students

Teaching and learning work together Holistic planning is the key to effective learning

TECHNOLOGY

Technology: a component of the teaching/learning process Teaching and Learning Technology: a component of the teaching/learning process Educational technology includes resources that facilitate teaching/learning This view of technology has evolved It’s consistent with evolution of learning theories

TECHNOLOGY “The systematic application of scientific or other organized knowledge to practical tasks.”

Potential Impacts of Technology Enhance our capabilities – more effective Increase our speed – more efficient Impact levels of motivation/attitude/vision Thornburg (1999), “…we have the opportunity to use technologies in ways that support modern pedagogical thought devoted to the premise that all students are capable of learning, even if the pathways for each learner are different.” (cited in O’Neil & Perez, pg. xiv)

Educational Technology A Historical Overview Began in the early 1900s with movies Slides, radio, sound recordings were added in the 1920s-1930s Television drove audio-visuals in the 1950s

Educational Technology A Historical Overview 1960s: A-V expanded to a broader systems view 1970s: educational technology redefined and expanded further to include all technologies 1980s: educational technology entered the Digital Age  Allyn and Bacon 2005

Educational Technology Today Holistic view All media and systems that support teaching/learning Teachers must decide how to best utilize technology  Allyn and Bacon 2005

Holistic View of Teaching, Learning, and Technology

Educational Technology Change in educational philosophy of what constitutes basic skills No longer just three R’s “Learning to learn” skills essential Lifelong learning TEA