Connectivism is a learning theory focussed on technology and achieved some traction in the early 2000s. However, arguably it isn’t a fully formed learning theory, and it has very little to say about how people learn using technology. Online Collaborative Learning theory (Harasim 2012), is a more recent constructivist theory which focuses on the use of technology “to increase and improve communication between teacher and learners” (Bates, 2015).
I am interested to learn more about this.
Harasim (2017) observes that in the field of online learning there is often an over-emphasis on training teachers in the use of specific tools and technologies, “but a theory-informed approach to transforming our educational practice remains elusive”.
This reminds me of the movie we watched. Our educational practice needs to be revamped.
Is the theory derived from research data or observations in an educational context?Does the theory have direct practical implications for teaching and learning [in the particular context in which you are working]?How realistic and practical are the suggestions?Can the aspects identified as affecting learning be readily changed [by the teacher]?Is the theory presented in clear language which is understandable to teachers?Will the theory spark off new ideas about teaching?
Very important that theories have relevance and can be utilized in the classroom.
most educators have been “primarily concerned with directly applying teaching methods to classrooms and learning environments”.
Teachers often get so busy that they don't have time to think, only do.
It can come across as highly theoretical and detached from the practicalities of everyday teaching and learning”.
I can definitely agree with this. I have seen ideas come down the administrative pipe that left me scratching my head and wondering why they though it was a good idea.
Schunk (2020) suggests that teachers need to ask the question ‘How does learning occur?’ and that whatever answer they come up with will inform lesson design, teaching practices and student activities. Ultimately, teachers use learning theories (consciously or not) and their related educational approaches and technologies to design, develop and deliver effective learning experiences.
This makes a lot of sense to me. I think that many teachers instinctively have a good idea of what works in their particular classrooms, but don't always know why they think that way. They have an unconscious theory.
Learning theories cannot provide complete and definitive answers to pedagogic questions, but they can improve our understanding of how people learn.
There continues to be new theories that people develop, on going. I don't think any one theory has all the answers, but standing back and taking a holistic look at many different theories, may give you the best idea of how people learn in general.
For Brown et al. (2014), learning means “acquiring knowledge and skills and having them readily available from memory so you can make sense of future problems and opportunities.”
I really like this theory of what learning is.