Cognitivism as a Learning Theory - EDUC 8845 module 2

There is no specific definition for learning. Learning occurs when there is a change is learners’ packets of knowledge (Schemata). A learning process is dependent on several factors including environmental and cognitive aspects. Many learning theorists analyzed the learning process from varied perspectives and define learning based on their own perception. Learning theory describes how people learn, and the process of learning in order to help educators structure the teaching process that best suits a learner. With learning theories, the dominant frameworks are behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, and more recently connectivism. Cognitivism focuses on the internal mental activities, and explores the mental processes such as thinking, memory, remembering, problem-solving in gaining knowledge. It looks beyond human respond to stimuli and learning is brain-based. According to Bill Kerr, what should we do about these isms as they keep evolving and do not stand still? In 1960s, the cognitivist revolution replaced behaviorism as the prevailing model, now in the 21st century, alternative models keep evolving. It is said that the connectivism is the learning theory for the digital age. What would be the next …ism? Learning through action and performance based on instruction (Behaviorism), moving to the level of comprehension inclusive of thinking, knowing and remembering (Cognitivism), creating new knowledge (Constructivism) and uniting the creative ideas (Connectivism) to form the next… ism.

The underlining factor is that we cannot do without any of these learning theories nor can a single theory thrives in a learning environment. Kapp in his blog post says “we need to take pieces from each school of thought and apply it effectively”. With the emergence of newer technologies, the learning process would continually be enhanced. For learning to be effective, the use a learning theory that best suits the learning environment is important.

Metaphors of Educators - EDUC 8845 Module 1

Critique Siemens’s “metaphors of educators.” Which of these metaphors best describes the role you believe an instructor should take in a digital classroom or workplace? Is there a better metaphor to reflect your view of the role of instructors?

With emerging technologies and varied teaching methodologies in this era, traditional way of teaching, which is teacher centered is gradually being replaced by student centered learning environment. An educator is a scholar practitioner in the teaching profession. Today, technology enabled learning environment has varied educator and learner roles. The roles are focused on what learners are able to achieve through personal efforts. In the light of this, diverse scholars have come up with the notions on how best to describe an educator. According to Siemens (2008), an educator is a master artist, network administrator, concierge or curator amongst other plausible metaphors.

To a large extent, these metaphors are acceptable. However, some of the metaphors might not have a high positive impact on learners in this technology era, where the expectation is that learners take ownership of their learning. Acquisition of knowledge would have better value when an educator is a “guide on the side” and acts as an inspirer or mediator when need arises rather than being a “sage on the stage”.

On this premise, an instructor in a digital classroom or workplace should take the place of a curator. A curator is an expert with a sound knowledge base of the subject matter. A curator provides an enabled learning environment in which learners get connected, explore and construct their own knowledge of the subject matter. The limitless access to explore would hone their higher order thinking skills. Learning is a lifelong activity. When learners cannot construct their own knowledge, it limits what they know. Irrespective of the metaphors used to describe an educator, an educator must be an inspiration to learners. Setting up an exceptional learning environment with adequate resources to encourage learners to contribute their best is part of the ways to inspire. When you inspire, you teach, mediate, coach, and mentor. From this perspective, educator can reach out to all learners amidst many teaching and learning challenges.Reference

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