The two learning theories that “speak” to me the must as a learning and educator are constructivism and connectivism. All 4 learning theories that we are exploring has a part in the sharing of knowledge but these two I find myself a bit more connected to.
Constructivism is the learning that creates a meaning by engaging the learners in questioning, exploring, and reflecting on the topics. It’s providing a more active role to the learners. This process can help to develop critical thinking, a deeper understanding of the material and motivate learners in developing their own knowledge. Constructivism can enhance the level of knowledge in the classroom from a remembering stage to more of an analyzing stage.
Connectivism is a social connection of learning. The world continues to evolve and so does knowledge. Each profession needs to continue to learn to enhance the services and teachings they provide. Connectivism addresses these needs by helping individuals and groups develop a better and deeper understanding. The tools we had are incredible. There is also as many that it is impossible for one person to be able to know them all. With the social connection we are able to work collaboratively to share information and maintain relevant, up to date knowledge.
As an educator, I try my best to keep my classroom inclusive, connected and interactive. This is with both the traditional F2F teaching and online teachings. The teaching method needs to be based on each group’s learning needs, taking into account backgrounds, culture, work history, education, learning abilities, skills, interests and so much more. It’s not knowing about every detail but knowing as much as we can and learning from each other. The two theories I discussed above help to achieve this style of learning and educating.
A few of the apps and digital tools I have used to accomplish this is Kahoot, YouTube, Google docs, Dropbox and Zoom. Kahoot, Dropbox and Google docs were tools used providing constructivism and creating a more engaging and critical thinking environment. YouTube and Zoom helped to connect and deepen the knowledge we were discussing. YouTube we used to upload videos and share information. Zoom was used to discuss and connect socially. My experience with apps/digital tools is basic. I am personally using connectivism to enhanced my knowledge and improve my ability to share that knowledge.
References
Bates, T. (2019). Teaching in a Digital Age -2.2 Epistemology and theories of learning. (2nd ed.). Retrieved from https://pressbooks.bccampus.ca/teachinginadigitalagev2/chapter/section-2-2-epistemology-and-why-its-important/
BlueSofaMedia. (2012, December 30). Use a Learning Theory: Constructivism [Video file]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=Xa59prZC5gA&feature=emb_logo
Burke, S. (2012, February 26). Connectivism [Video file]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-20Oqm1GvsU
Hi Sue-Ellen
Thank you for your sharing your ideas. I always use YouTube to explore new things and extend my ideas. There are always new thing we can explore. As you said,”the tools we had are incredible”. We are in a digital age right now. A lot of tools and applications are worthy being explored, but we cannot discover all of them by ourselves. We can get good instructions through social media. For example,we can learn how to use loom, google classroom to improve online teaching. There is no doubt that social media has brought a lot of benefits to teaching. Everyone has the chance to explore the new things though online, but how to make learners study properly is a problem to think about. Learners receive all kinds of information from the social media. As a teacher, it is important to guide students using social media properly.
Hi Sue-Ellen!
I only just realized that we have TWO classes together this term; that is AMAZING news!
I really was intrigued and inspired by your Discussion Post. It is evident that you are a Master “Teacher” in your own right and very knowledgeable in the area of Learning Theories and Pedagogy!
I completely agree with your analysis that “Constructivism can enhance the level of knowledge in the classroom from a remembering stage to more of an analyzing stage”. I see this so often when students are “given” knowledge from a behaviourism theory standpoint and then are unable to apply the knowledge in new or novel settings.
In reading my own post this week, you will come to learn that my youngest son has only just recently been diagnosed with two Specialized Learning Disorders in Reading and Written expression. His mind does not, and will never, process information the same way I do. So the challenge now becomes finding new and alternative ways for him to make connections. So far, anything hands-on (from a constructivist) standpoint has been great, looking for opportunities for him to “connect” his learning to his own life has been even better.
From a parent perspective, I appreciate your statement “As an educator, I try my best to keep my classroom inclusive, connected and interactive” because I know that is what my son will need throughout his educational journey!
I was going to be vulnerable and without Googling the answer, ask if you could possibly share more information about what F2F theories were, as I was not familiar with them or the concept….it took me going back and trying to conceptualize the theory one more time in context to make the actual “connection” LOL, I blame COVID-19 and the world pandemic for making me, even for a moment, forget what Face-to-Face actually meant. Ha ha ha
Thanks again for sharing!
Keri