The document discusses different learning theories and their application in the digital age. It describes three traditional learning theories: behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism. For each theory, it provides an overview and examples of software that can be used to support learning aligned with that theory, such as drill and practice software for behaviorism or collaborative and project-based software for constructivism. The document concludes that technology allows for new possibilities in learning based on different theoretical approaches.

1. HLMT ASSIGNMENT 1
Learning theory and its application in the digital age
7/14/2013Twaambo Chiinza

2. OVERVIEW
 Learning theory
 Traditional learning theories
 Behaviourism
 Cognitivism
 Constructivism
 Summary
 References

3. LEARNING THEORY
What is a learning theory?
 Learning theories are conceptual
frameworks that describe how information is
absorbed, processed, and retained during
learning. (wikipedia)
 It studies how learning transfer occurs or can
occur more effectively.

4. TRADITIONAL LEARNING THEORIES
The three traditional learning theories are;
 Behaviourist theory
 Observable change in behavior in response to
positive or negative stimuli
 Cognitivist theory
 deals with the internal mental processes of the
mind and how these processes could be used to
endorse effective learning
 Constructivist theory
 promotes a learning experience, where the
learning approach for each learner would be
different and where the methods and end results
cannot be easily measured.

5. BEHAVIOURISM
 Focuses on the notable change in behaviour
of the learner in response to stimuli.
 Also called the “stimuli-response” theory.
 Believes behaviour can be shaped by
 Positive reinforcement
 Negative reinforcement
 Punishment

6. BEHAVIOURISM OVERVIEW
 Classical Conditioning (Pavlov)
 GOMS Model (Card, Moran, and Newell)
 Operant Conditioning (Skinner)
 Social Learning Theory (Bandura)

7. BEHAVIOURISM IN THE DIGITAL AGE
 Use of the following software is
recommended;
 Drill and practice –Feedback is given after each
answer (positive or negative) before proceeding
to the next exercise
 Tutorial - allows students to memorize (rote
learning) key concepts and sometimes answer
questions after memorizing
 Simulation – that aids to clarify abstract concepts
and hence encourage retention

8. BEHAVIOURIST EXAMPLES OF SOFTWARE
 Dig Deeper Quiz - Archeology (BBC)
 Destination D-Day - (BBC)
 Fresh Backed Fractions (Funbrain.com)
 Math Arcade (Funbrain.com)
 Math Baseball (Funbrain.com)
 SpeedMath Deluxe (Jefferson Lab)
 Lord of the Flies Comprehension Check
(Nobelprize.org)
 SpellaRoo (Funbrain.com)

9. COGNITIVIST
 Focuses on the internal mental process of
the learner (including insight, information
processing, memory, perception)
 essentially argues that the “black box” of the
mind should be opened and understood. The
learner is viewed as an information
processor (like a computer).
 Focuses on the mind – thinking, knowledge,
memory and problem solving

10. COGNITIVIST OVERVIEW
 Assimilation Theory (Ausubel)
 Attribution Theory (Weiner)
 Cognitive Load Theory (Sweller)
 Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning (Mayer)
 Component Display Theory
 Elaboration Theory (Reigeluth)
 Gestalt Psychology (Tolman)
 Mental Models (Johnson-Laird)
 Schema Theory
 Stage Theory of Cognitive Development (Piaget)

11. COGNIVISM IN THE DIGITAL AGE
 Use of the following software is
recommended;
 Educational computer games
 Information mapping tools and/ webbing
software
 Internet research tools
 Audio/ video presentation tools
 Interactive software
 Interactive whiteboards

12. COGNIVIST EXAMPLES OF SOFTWARE
 Flashcards by Microsoft
 Math Worksheet Generator
 Kinect for Windows SDK
Kodu
Interactive Classroom
Photosynth
Accessibility Guide for Educators
Microsoft Mathematics Add-in for Word and
OneNote
WorldWide Telescope

13. CONSTRUCTIVIST
 Constructivism as a paradigm or worldview
posits that learning is an active, constructive
process.
 The learner is an information constructor.
 People actively construct or create their own
subjective representations of objective reality.
 New information is linked to prior knowledge,
thus mental representations are subjective.

14. CONSTRUCTIVIST OVERVIEW
 Cognitive Apprenticeship (Collins et al.)
 Communities of Practice (Lave and Wenger)
 Discovery Learning (Bruner)
 Social Development Theory (Vygtosky)
 Problem-Based Learning (PBL)
 Situated Learning (Lave)

15. CONSTRUCTIVISM IN THE DIGITAL AGE
 Software that provides collaborative and
reflective practices that lend themselves to a
project based environment.
 The software acts as a cognitive tool.
 it is able to give physical representations of
concepts that might otherwise prove to be quite
abstract for learners; this in turn leads to
students exercising and developing
metacognitive awareness and self-regulatory
ability.

16. CONSTRUCTIVISM IN THE DIGITAL AGE
 Information banks (text or encyclopedia),
 Symbol pads (notebooks, laptop computers)
 Construction kits and scaffolding tools (Logo, legos,
tinkertoys),
 Phenomenaria (area for presenting phenomena and
making them available for manipulation; i.e.,
aquarium, Geometric Supposer, physics microworlds,
STELLA, simulations) and
 Task managers (element which sets tasks, helps with
execution, and provides feedback; i.e., teacher,
computer managed instruction systems).
Perkins (1991)

17. CONSTRUCTIVIST EXAMPLES OF SOFTWARE
 Construction Kits & Scaffolding Tools
 Logo & LEGO TC Logo, Hypercard, ScienceWare , KIE, View ,
Tabletop , Learning Science Project WISE
 Phenomenaria and Virtual Worlds
 Space Shuttle Commander , ScienceSpace, Lake Iluka , STELLA
 Telecollaboration and Computer Mediated Communication
 Bubble Dialog, Round Table , Judi Harris' Projects , CSILE , Testbed
for Telecollaboration , Kidspace , Kidlink
 Cognitive Apprenticeship
 POV , Perseus Project , Jason Project , MayaQuest ,
StudySupportEnvironments
 Situated Authentic Learning
 Jasper Series, Voyage of the Mimi , National Geographic's Kid
Network, WorldWide Telescope

18. SUMMARY
 The main software that can be used in learning
are;
 Drill and practice software
 Tutorial software
 Simulation software
 The different theories can use the same
software but for the realization of different
principals.
 Technology has brought many wonderful
possibilities to learning

19. SUMMARY CONTD…
 The behaviourist software tools are easy to
implement and use while the objectives are
usually predetermined by the teacher.
 The cognitive software tools are eye catching
(stimulates memory) and aim to leave a
lasting impression
 The constructivist software tools encourage
learning by discovery, collaboration and
discussion among learners

20. REFERENCES
 http://www.outsource2india.com/LearningSolutio
ns/articles/learning-theories.asp - definitions of
learning theories
 http://infed.org/mobi/learning-theory-models-
product-and-process/ - founders of the theories
 http://www.learning-theories.com/ - Overview of
the learning theories
 http://etec.ctlt.ubc.ca/510wiki/EducationalSoftwa
re - Behaviourism in the digital age
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitivism -
Cognitivism

21. REFERENCES CONTD….
 http://www.usask.ca/education/coursework/8
02papers/Skaalid/tools.html - constructivism
in the digital age
 http://elearningindustry.com/23-microsoft-
free-teaching-tools-for-educators-education -
open source Microsoft educational software
 http://www.slideshare.net/laurangee/team5-
cognitivelearningtheory - cognitivism
software examples