Learning in a Digital World

Learning in a Digital World

 

    From my experience in on-line, blended, and face-to-face learning environment, I have an appreciation for the learning process in the digital world.  We can overcome the problems we face in education today by using technology to address academic achievement for the individual student but, we must consider the role of educational technology in the learning process. Technology definitely has a large impact on the way we learn and an even greater impact on the way we demonstrate knowledge.  As a student on an on-line learning environment I have increased my skills for obtaining, organizing, and analyzing information.  

    Many of the tasks related to theses skills are typically assessed within the traditional face-to-face learning environment.  Educators who embrace behavioral perspectives of learning like Pavlov, Thorndike, and Skinner (1920’s to 1950’s) contribute to today’s practice of using criterion-referenced assessment, performance objectives, and mastery learning in online tutorials. On the contrary, the way I demonstrate this understanding in an on-line class involves more unique forms of assessment.  More modern constructivist such as Bruner, Piaget, and Vygotsky (1990’s to 2000’s) are responsible for current use of simulations, collaboration, and meaningful learning environments. As an on-line learner I’m able to demonstrate the knowledge I’ve gained through personal expression within Web 2.0 platforms.  

    My philosophy of learning is rooted in constructivist notions of how the learning process takes place.  As an educator, my goal is to promote curriculum and instruction that is centered on the individual student.  Perspectives of learning suggest that students learn best through mastery (behavioral), guided practice (cognitive), and collaboration (constructivist). The most important factor to the learning process is that the student gains knowledge and skills through meaningful experiences and applications.  There are many learning and instructional theories that align to my personal perspective of education; my perspective is one that defines education based on each life lesson.   Contemporary educational theorist, such as George Siemens and Stephen Downes, suggests Connectivism as a learning theory geared towards the Digital Age (Siemens, 2004).  As educators embrace new ideas of how we learn, educational technology can be designed based on 21st century theory and practice for digital natives (Tapscott,1998). 

References: 

Saettler, P. (2004). The evolution of American educational technology. Greenwich, CT: Information Age Publishing.

Tapscott, D. (1998). Growing up digital: The rise of the net generation. New York: McGraw-Hill.

Toffler, A. (1980). The third wave. New York: Bantam.

Siemens, G. (2004). A Learning Theory for the Digital Age. Retrieved from elearnspace.org/Articles/connectivism.htm

J. Turner, Aspire STAR commented @

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