THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY

Educational Technology

Educational Technology includes any media that is used for instruction

Anything used to help teach students can be considered educational technology.

Educational Technology

Educational technology is any technology that is used to support teaching and learning.

Allyn and Bacon 2005

Educational Technology and Instruction Technology are the tools to help create an effective instructional event Instructional events = all teaching methods and learning experiences Learning environment = physical and nonphysical aspects where instruction takes place

Allyn and Bacon 2005

LEARNING

LEARNING

is a transfer of knowledge that can be ensured only when all components of the process have been incorporated
(Lever-Duffy, et al., 2005)

LEARNING
Variety of theories explain how we learn Each theory offers a different perspective or view as to how learning occurs Some theories may be contradictory Teachers must decide on theory for themselves

Learning Theories

Proper planning and effective use of tools and methods are key to successful teaching and learning

Learning Theories
Learning as Communication Knowledge is transferred from sender to receiver Receiver returns feedback to sender Sender receives feedback Variables may alter intended meaning.

Learning as Communication

Learning as Communication

Factors Affection Communication

Learning as Communication
Environmental Factors Any factor that may cause a learner to lose focus Can block communications Lighting, movement, temperature may interfere with communications

Learning as Communication
Psychological Factors Individual differences that define and impact communicated information Emotional state may interfere with message reception Learning styles may interfere with transmission

Allyn and Bacon 2005

Learning as Communication
Personal Filters Individuals values, heritage, and belief system May include attitudes, cultural differences, and opinions Filters are present in both sender and receiver

Allyn and Bacon 2005

Learning Theories Behaviorists Perspective

All behavior is a response to external stimuli Students learn in response to rewards and punishments Learning is a passive response to the environment

Allyn and Bacon 2005

Learning Theories

Cognitivists Perspective
Focus is on learning as a mental operation Information enters through senses Learning is explained by how one thinks Believe learning is more complex than behaviorist responses

Allyn and Bacon 2005

Learning Theories

Constructivists Perspective
Knowledge is constructed as a result of the learning process Learning occurs when knowledge is assimilated or accommodated (Piaget) Knowledge may be constructed best in a social context

Allyn and Bacon 2005

VIEW OF THE LEARNER

Characteristics that might have an impact on learning
Cognitive style Learning style Intelligence

Learning Theories Cognitive Styles

Manner in which one thinks and interprets the environment Myers-Briggs helps determine cognitive preferences Understanding cognitive styles helps teachers create supportive environments

Learning Theories

Myers-Briggs Cognitive Types

Learning Theories
Learning Styles
Conditions under which one learns best Relates to individual sensory dominance Auditory learners learn best by listening Visual learners learn best by seeing Kinesthetic/Tactile learners learn best by doing and touching

The Learner
Intelligence
Inherent capabilities to learn and understand Standford-Binet tests emphasize logical/mathematical and verbal capabilities Howard Gardners Theory of Multiple Intelligences emphasizes multiple capabilities

The Learner
Multiple Intelligences
Verbal-Linguistic MathematicalLogical Visual-Spatial Bodily-Kinesthetic Interpersonal Intrapersonal Naturalistic Existential Musical

Allyn and Bacon 2005

The Learner

Multiple Intelligences

Multiple Inteligences
Linguistics verbal skills/talents related to sound, meaning & ryhthms Logical-mathematical conceptual & logical thinking Musical talents/abilities related to sound, rhythm & pitch Spatial skill in thinking in pictures & visioning abstract

Multiple Inteligences
Bodily-kinesthetic skill in controlling body movements Interpersonal responsive to others Intrapersonal high-degree of self awareness & insight Naturalistic skills in recognizing, categorizing & interacting with natural world Existential ability to consider & deal with questions of human existence

Lets try a Learning Style Inventory

For Learning Inventory Assessment

Teaching and Learning

Teaching = a systematic, planned sequence of events
A process that communicates ideas/skills Takes into account individual and environmental factors Aware of learning theories & learner characteristics

Teaching and Learning

Teachers should be aware of:

strengths and weaknesses of own teaching style learning theories learning style of students

Teaching and Learning

Teaching and learning work together Holistic planning is the key to effective learning

TECHNOLOGY

Teaching and Learning

Technology: a component of the teaching/learning process
Educational technology includes resources that facilitate teaching/learning This view of technology has evolved Its consistent with evolution of learning theories

TECHNOLOGY

The systematic application of scientific or other organized knowledge to practical tasks.

Potential Impacts of Technology

Enhance our capabilities more effective Increase our speed more efficient Impact levels of motivation/attitude/vision Thornburg (1999), we have the opportunity to use technologies in ways that support modern pedagogical thought devoted to the premise that all students are capable of learning, even if the pathways for each learner are different. (cited in ONeil & Perez, pg. xiv)

Educational Technology
A Historical Overview Began in the early 1900s with movies Slides, radio, sound recordings were added in the 1920s-1930s Television drove audio-visuals in the 1950s

Educational Technology
A Historical Overview 1960s: A-V expanded to a broader systems view 1970s: educational technology redefined and expanded further to include all technologies 1980s: educational technology entered the Digital Age
Allyn and Bacon 2005

Educational Technology Today

Holistic view
All media and systems that support teaching/learning

Teachers must decide how to best utilize technology

Allyn and Bacon 2005

Holistic View of Teaching, Learning, and Technology

Educational Technology
Change in educational philosophy of what constitutes basic skills
No longer just three Rs Learning to learn skills essential Lifelong learning

TEA