Discussing behaviourism, constructivism and cognitivism.

1. HLMT ASSIGNMENT 1
Learning theory and its application in the digital age
7/14/2013Twaambo Chiinza

2. OVERVIEW
 Learning theory
 Traditional learning theories
 Behaviourism
 Cognitivism
 Constructivism
 Summary
 References

3. LEARNING THEORY
What is a learning theory?
 Learning theories are conceptual
frameworks that describe how information is
absorbed, processed, and retained during
learning. (wikipedia)
 It studies how learning transfer occurs or can
occur more effectively.

4. TRADITIONAL LEARNING THEORIES
The three traditional learning theories are;
 Behaviourist theory
 Observable change in behavior in response to
positive or negative stimuli
 Cognitivist theory
 deals with the internal mental processes of the
mind and how these processes could be used to
endorse effective learning
 Constructivist theory
 promotes a learning experience, where the
learning approach for each learner would be
different and where the methods and end results
cannot be easily measured.

5. BEHAVIOURISM
 Focuses on the notable change in behaviour
of the learner in response to stimuli.
 Also called the “stimuli-response” theory.
 Believes behaviour can be shaped by
 Positive reinforcement
 Negative reinforcement
 Punishment

6. BEHAVIOURISM OVERVIEW
 Classical Conditioning (Pavlov)
 GOMS Model (Card, Moran, and Newell)
 Operant Conditioning (Skinner)
 Social Learning Theory (Bandura)

7. BEHAVIOURISM IN THE DIGITAL AGE
 Use of the following software is
recommended;
 Drill and practice –Feedback is given after each
answer (positive or negative) before proceeding
to the next exercise
 Tutorial - allows students to memorize (rote
learning) key concepts and sometimes answer
questions after memorizing
 Simulation – that aids to clarify abstract concepts
and hence encourage retention

8. BEHAVIOURIST EXAMPLES OF SOFTWARE
 Dig Deeper Quiz - Archeology (BBC)
 Destination D-Day - (BBC)
 Fresh Backed Fractions (Funbrain.com)
 Math Arcade (Funbrain.com)
 Math Baseball (Funbrain.com)
 SpeedMath Deluxe (Jefferson Lab)
 Lord of the Flies Comprehension Check
(Nobelprize.org)
 SpellaRoo (Funbrain.com)

9. COGNITIVIST
 Focuses on the internal mental process of
the learner (including insight, information
processing, memory, perception)
 essentially argues that the “black box” of the
mind should be opened and understood. The
learner is viewed as an information
processor (like a computer).
 Focuses on the mind – thinking, knowledge,
memory and problem solving

10. COGNITIVIST OVERVIEW
 Assimilation Theory (Ausubel)
 Attribution Theory (Weiner)
 Cognitive Load Theory (Sweller)
 Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning (Mayer)
 Component Display Theory
 Elaboration Theory (Reigeluth)
 Gestalt Psychology (Tolman)
 Mental Models (Johnson-Laird)
 Schema Theory
 Stage Theory of Cognitive Development (Piaget)

11. COGNIVISM IN THE DIGITAL AGE
 Use of the following software is
recommended;
 Educational computer games
 Information mapping tools and/ webbing
software
 Internet research tools
 Audio/ video presentation tools
 Interactive software
 Interactive whiteboards

12. COGNIVIST EXAMPLES OF SOFTWARE
 Flashcards by Microsoft
 Math Worksheet Generator
 Kinect for Windows SDK
Kodu
Interactive Classroom
Photosynth
Accessibility Guide for Educators
Microsoft Mathematics Add-in for Word and
OneNote
WorldWide Telescope

13. CONSTRUCTIVIST
 Constructivism as a paradigm or worldview
posits that learning is an active, constructive
process.
 The learner is an information constructor.
 People actively construct or create their own
subjective representations of objective reality.
 New information is linked to prior knowledge,
thus mental representations are subjective.

14. CONSTRUCTIVIST OVERVIEW
 Cognitive Apprenticeship (Collins et al.)
 Communities of Practice (Lave and Wenger)
 Discovery Learning (Bruner)
 Social Development Theory (Vygtosky)
 Problem-Based Learning (PBL)
 Situated Learning (Lave)

15. CONSTRUCTIVISM IN THE DIGITAL AGE
 Software that provides collaborative and
reflective practices that lend themselves to a
project based environment.
 The software acts as a cognitive tool.
 it is able to give physical representations of
concepts that might otherwise prove to be quite
abstract for learners; this in turn leads to
students exercising and developing
metacognitive awareness and self-regulatory
ability.

16. CONSTRUCTIVISM IN THE DIGITAL AGE
 Information banks (text or encyclopedia),
 Symbol pads (notebooks, laptop computers)
 Construction kits and scaffolding tools (Logo, legos,
tinkertoys),
 Phenomenaria (area for presenting phenomena and
making them available for manipulation; i.e.,
aquarium, Geometric Supposer, physics microworlds,
STELLA, simulations) and
 Task managers (element which sets tasks, helps with
execution, and provides feedback; i.e., teacher,
computer managed instruction systems).
Perkins (1991)

17. CONSTRUCTIVIST EXAMPLES OF SOFTWARE
 Construction Kits & Scaffolding Tools
 Logo & LEGO TC Logo, Hypercard, ScienceWare , KIE, View ,
Tabletop , Learning Science Project WISE
 Phenomenaria and Virtual Worlds
 Space Shuttle Commander , ScienceSpace, Lake Iluka , STELLA
 Telecollaboration and Computer Mediated Communication
 Bubble Dialog, Round Table , Judi Harris' Projects , CSILE , Testbed
for Telecollaboration , Kidspace , Kidlink
 Cognitive Apprenticeship
 POV , Perseus Project , Jason Project , MayaQuest ,
StudySupportEnvironments
 Situated Authentic Learning
 Jasper Series, Voyage of the Mimi , National Geographic's Kid
Network, WorldWide Telescope

18. SUMMARY
 The main software that can be used in learning
are;
 Drill and practice software
 Tutorial software
 Simulation software
 The different theories can use the same
software but for the realization of different
principals.
 Technology has brought many wonderful
possibilities to learning

19. SUMMARY CONTD…
 The behaviourist software tools are easy to
implement and use while the objectives are
usually predetermined by the teacher.
 The cognitive software tools are eye catching
(stimulates memory) and aim to leave a
lasting impression
 The constructivist software tools encourage
learning by discovery, collaboration and
discussion among learners

20. REFERENCES
 http://www.outsource2india.com/LearningSolutio
ns/articles/learning-theories.asp - definitions of
learning theories
 http://infed.org/mobi/learning-theory-models-
product-and-process/ - founders of the theories
 http://www.learning-theories.com/ - Overview of
the learning theories
 http://etec.ctlt.ubc.ca/510wiki/EducationalSoftwa
re - Behaviourism in the digital age
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitivism -
Cognitivism

21. REFERENCES CONTD….
 http://www.usask.ca/education/coursework/8
02papers/Skaalid/tools.html - constructivism
in the digital age
 http://elearningindustry.com/23-microsoft-
free-teaching-tools-for-educators-education -
open source Microsoft educational software
 http://www.slideshare.net/laurangee/team5-
cognitivelearningtheory - cognitivism
software examples