Learning styles vary for each individual; when a learning environment can accommodate all learning styles, it is often viewed as one that will be deemed as an effective one. I believe this is the most effective way to reach students who have varied learning needs. Often times a student can grasp concepts best through all three learning styles, which are, visual (learn through seeing), auditory (learn through listening), and kinesthetic (hands on approach). Educational technology is constantly evolving and aiding in the learning process. Ongoing development of communication technologies and digitization of curricular resources creates new opportunities for learners. Learners can now be increasingly “automated and self-directed” (Annand, 2007, p2).
Although there has been a lot of criticism surrounding the notion of a new learning theory that is centered on this technological age of connectivity, a changing environment can lead to critical changes in the way one learns and how that learning process is defined. Connectivism is scrutinized because it is often referenced to traditional theoretical perspectives, but as society advances the thought process of how we learn must be altered as well. Dewey (1907) wrote that whenever we have in mind the discussion of a new movement in education, it is especially necessary to take the broader or social view. Therefore, the educational system in some regards should cater to the needs of society. Education should be a system that grows right along with society instead of watching a growing world pass it by.
My personal belief is that the best model an instructor should use in a digital classroom would be that of the concierge format. This model would allow instructors to encourage critical thinking of their students and be innovative with their teaching methods. They would still have the ability of bringing traditional lectures to the learners if need be to reach multiple intelligences as well as allow them to have the freedom to explore theories for themselves while merely guiding them through the education process as a concierge might do, offer guidance. In my opinion, a metaphor that could be a combination of the concierge and curator would be ideal. While exposing students to new concepts in the concierge model, you could expand upon those new concepts and allow the student room to explore and guide them in the exploration in the curator model.
References
Dewey, J. (1907). The school and social progress. Chicago : University of Chicago
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
Andree,
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I love this "Therefore, the educational system in some regards should cater to the needs of society". My husband has a saying 'square peg, round hole', this came to mind when I read your post. The learners of today are so digital/technologically advanced that it is no wonder why many are bored with instruction when it doesn't involve some type of technology. If you had the power of change in your school, how and what would you do to ensure that technology was utilized in students learning? Thanks!
The funny thing is I dont work in education yet, I work in the IT department for a credit card processing company. But if I was in an education setting, I would fight administration to follow trends and show some stats on how technology is shaping the future and the education system needs to ride the wave!!
ReplyDeleteVery detailed post as always, you put a lot of thought into your post shows. I agree with your comment on “learning styles vary for each individual; when a learning environment can accommodate all learning styles, it is often viewed as one that will be deemed as an effective one.” I teach in a small rural county and the teachers have had autonomy over what they teach. This year teachers have been told they had to do centers and weren’t pleased because the noise levels in their quiet timid rooms changed. I am waiting to see how it all fairs out. I for one am always using centers and my classroom is a busy place as students work on accelerated math, accelerated reading and computers when they get done with their seat work. I know that I learn different ways. I love to watch my students when they can get in one way but couldn’t another way. Your comment that “educational technology is constantly evolving and aiding in the learning process”, is super, it sums up that today’s teacher must evolve and aid with these important changes.
ReplyDeleteAs with anything new there is always “a lot of criticism surrounding the notion of a new learning theory that is centered on this technological age of connectivity, a changing environment can lead to critical changes in the way one learns and how that learning process is defined.”
I agree with your comment “that the best model an instructor should use in a digital classroom would be that of the concierge format.” In today’s classroom it is important that we as instructors encourage critical thinking in our students and be willing and innovative in our teaching methods.
Do you believe if an instructor is more than a concierge that they will be a better instructor?
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