Teaching with Technology

It appears that the advent of teaching with technology is firmly in place and will do nothing less than become the norm. Since 1968, it has been steadily growing as a means to educating students. My learning this week included the three types of learning theories that are Constructivism, Connectivism, and Cyborg. Of the three, there was one in which I had no inkling. That was the Cyborg theory. Cyborg theory is based upon the notion that computer chips can be implanted into the body to enhance learning. Hmmm. Probably won't be widespread in my lifetime. The other two, constructivism and connectivism are in daily use, sometimes without instructors even knowing it.

Constructivism is based on the theory that knowledge is acquired through building upon what is already known. "Learners combine experience (action) and thought (reflection) to build meaning." (SEDL, 1999) Connectivism is based upon the notion that people connect new information to what is already known and the connections foster understanding. In this way people take what fits into their scheme of things and reject what does not fit. These two theories though different are somewhat the same.

According to Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, and Malenoski, using technology in the classroom allows the teacher to meet all students’ needs through differentiation and it also enhances the learning experience. The pairing of effective teaching strategies and technology, along with using the book’s guide as to when to use these components should prove fruitful. The book promises to cite examples of research-based lessons which has me looking forward to completing the reading.

References:

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., and Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, Va. Denver, Co: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning.

Southwest Educational Development Laboratory. (1999). Learning as a personal event: A brief introduction to constructivism. Retrieved on February 29, 2012 from http://www.sedl.org/pubs/tec26/intro2c.html  

Warwick, K. (nd). Cyborg Life. Youtube.com. Retrieved on March 1, 2012 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RB_l7SY_ngI