Learning takes place in many different ways and through many different styles. According to Driscoll (2005), learning involves the acquisition of knowledge and how we come to know things. Siemens (2008) suggests that knowledge is gained by experiences. Learning theory in educational technology is very important given the wide array of experiences that are created through various technological sources. Siemens (2008) also states that learners should be able to see connections and make sense of the world and act within it in creative ways. Driscoll and Siemens provide great examples of the critical elements of learning theory and share similar views of the theory.
Educating students requires instructors to adopt several roles for teaching students. Siemens (2008) describes the roles of educators as being master artist, network administrator, concierge, and curator. I think the role that best describes an instructor in a digital classroom or workplace is that of a curator. I agree with Siemens that educators should assume dual roles that foster learning and exploration. In order for students to be successful in learning, instructors must interact with students in different ways.References
Driscoll, M. P. (2005). Psychology of learning for instruction (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education.Siemens, G. (2008, January 27). Learning and knowing in networks: Changing roles for educators and designers. Paper presented to ITFORUM. Retrieved from http://it.coe.uga.edu/itforum/Paper105/Siemens.pdf \
http://davidjmilleralf.blogspot.com/2012/03/module-1-blog-topic-assignment-david.html?showComment=1331949771925#c1138722043132287907
http://schroederedtech.blogspot.com/2012/03/educator-metaphors.html
Hi Tiffany,
ReplyDeleteI can't agree more that as teachers we are going to have to find new ways to engage our learners. Are there any particular ideas?
Tom
Tiffany,
ReplyDeleteI am glad to see that we share, you and I, the same view on the role of a facilitator in a digital classroom. As I reflect on Tom's question about students engagement, I can think of many ways I have engaged my students in the past. One way is to make the teaching about them by ensuring that they give their input in the learning process. For example, I would ask students to share with their peers in the classroom how they would apply a particular technique or technological tool introduced in class. Of course, I am talking about college students but I am sure this can be applied at any level of teaching.