Week 10 - Reflections on Teaching and Learning Online

Week 10

Wow! This week's topic, online educational theory is subject to a lot of controversies and extremes. After watching the video about MOOCS, which is an application of the constructivism and connectionism learning theories and reading the article, Does the Digital Classroom Enfeeble the Mind by Jaron Lanier, which gives a negative perspective of using solely a digital classroom instead of a f2f classroom with a creative teacher, I pondered about my role as an educator in the technological age.

As a educator you should know about the different learning theories. Initially, you would like to apply the theory that you are more connected to in your teaching (Cognitivism). However, the reality is that you will have students with different learning styles and background. I am tired of seeing many high school graduates that do not have adequate basic skills to find a job. I am not talking only about academic skills like writing a single paragraph or reading, but they do not have basic skills to survive. Therefore, to reach all the students I would implement the traditional  learning theories (Cognitivism, Behaviorism, and Constructivism) with the digital age (Connectivism) in my classroom. The drawback of this approach is that the students must have the skills and access to technology.

In the 21st century, students require knowledge of Web 2.0 technology not only for entertainment, but also for a career. Most factories are now run by automated systems which use computerized devices. Currently, schools are set up to put students in a box. Students learn everything and nothing at the same time. As a society we should develop programs to help students find their skill set and select courses/classes based on their strengths and learning styles. For example, students who are strong in reading and writing should not be required to take math class beyond geometry (this is a problem specific to Silicon Valley). Technology should be a part of the curriculum so that all students with different economic status can take advantage of its benefits.

In summary, technology is part of our daily life and it should not be seen as a villain, especially in online education. Indeed, technology makes our students more efficient and resourceful. Also, it provides the students with the opportunity to be exposed to extensive free open learning courses (e. g. MOOCS) and to become self-regulated autonomous learners. Kudos to technology!

I will leave you with an article about learning theories, Learning theories every teacher should know about from Educational Technology and Mobile Learning.