Learning Theories

What are your beliefs about how people learn best?

What is learning? Webster’s Dictionary defines learning as “the act or experience of one that learns; knowledge of skill acquired by instruction or study; modification of a behavioral tendency by experience" (UofM). Students learn best using various methods and sometimes a combination of methods work best. A preferred learning style is the way in which a student learns best, which reflects the relative strengths or weaknesses of that student’s underling cognitive (learning) skills (Learning Rx, n. d.). Three learning styles include auditory, (learns best in auditory formats), visual, (information is presented in visual formats), and

tactile, (information is presented in hands on settings) Learning Rx.

What is the purpose of learning theory in educational technology?

Learning theories can be traced back many years in education. There are lots of different learning theories that can be used to help guide a teaching/learning process. IT can play a role in each of these (OTEC, n. d.). According to Canon & Brennaman (n. d.), teaching practice and technology integration have a symbiotic relationship with the theories of learning and instructional design; as new technologies are integrated into the classroom, previously established theories are being applied in new ways adapting to the change or, in some cases, new theories are being born (Canon & Brennaman, n. d.). As technologies continue to change, so too will our classrooms (Canon & Brennaman, n. d.). The cycle of learning theory evolution will continue (Canon & Brennaman, n. d.).
References

Caron, J. & Brennaman, K. (n. d.). Symbiosis: Co-evolution of emerging technology, learning theory, and Instructional Design Retrieved from https://sites.google.com/a/boisestate.edu/edtechtheories/caron_brennaman

Learning Rx. (n. d.). Learning styles. Retrieved from http://www.learningrx.com/learning-styles.htm

OTEC. (n. d.). Learning theories. Retrieved from http://otec.uoregon.edu/learning_theory.htm

University of Missouri. (n. d.). Roadmap to effective distance education instructional design. Retrieved from http://www.umsl.edu/services/ctl/DEID/destination2adultlearning/2blearning.html