Week+1+Reflection

This week I explored three different learning theories in technology. I was familiar with the Constructivism theory. This theory states that all learners bring prior knowledge. Learning is internal and new information is constructed based on their prior knowledge. Thus discovering new information builds upon what they already know. In this practice, students must have meaningful learner centered experiences to build knowledge. Technology can support this by collaboration, processing data, and interpreting data. Another theory I learned about, which was new to me, was Connectism theory. This theory suggests that learning is connected; information connected to information, ideas, and concepts. Technology can support this theory by helping to connect information in new ways. Especially on the web, there are numerous ways to connect things to one another. The third theory is Cyborg theory. This theory is all about connecting human bodies to computers, implanting chips into humans, and using technology as a way to download information to our brains. This theory is a relatively new theory in education. Of course, in this theory technology is a must! It wouldn't work if the technology wasn't there. Learning about these theories has helped me to see that the traditional way of teaching is no longer enough. If we are to prepare 21st Century Learners to compete globally with others, then we, as educators, must shift our way of teaching. These theories need to be evaluated and utilized so that we may prepare our students. After all, studies have shown that incorporating technology along with these styles of teaching will result in excited learners who are better at solving problems, analyzing data, and collaborating with others in the learning process. It also shows they have higher test scores. What's not to like about that?!