The Cognitive learning theory focuses around how a person thinks. Learning is based on how the brain works when it comes to processing information, organizing it and relating it to something they already know. This week’s resources presented instructional strategies that used technology as a cognitive tool. There were examples where “students learn ‘with’ as opposed to ‘from’ computers” (Orey, 2001). This is an important difference between the behaviorist and cognitive approaches. In Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works, there are two strategies that use technology and correlate to cognitive learning theories, “Cues, Questions, and Advance Organizers” and “Summarizing and Note Taking”. There were ideas for using technology such as word processing, spreadsheets, organizing software and multimedia to give students a way to sort through, organize and process information. Many of the ideas used graphic organizers (such as concept maps) or cognitive tools that “allow students to interact with information in order to acquire, synthesize, create, and share new knowledge” (Orey, 2001). These strategies help to show students how to pull out important ideas, how to make sense out of it, and how relate them to prior knowledge, in other words the strategies help them learn how to think which is a major part of the cognitive learning theory.
In addition to considering how the brain processes information, designing learning experiences is also important in the cognitive learning theory. This week’s resources discussed using virtual field trips which can be a very effective way to allow students to experience what you are trying to teach them instead of just hearing or reading about it. Virtual field trips are a way to bring students places where they may not have been able to go and to become part of the learning experience.
References
Orey, M.(Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD
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Experience is said to be one of the most important and effective ways of learning for students. This is why there are so many programs that involve hands-on learning opportunities for students. Virtual field trips are a great way for students to gain experience when circumstances would otherwise not allow it. I only wish there were more free virtual trips out there.
ReplyDeleteVicky, a virtual field trip provides students with another path to learn. This opportunity engages students more because it gives them control over their own learning and allows them to explore on their own. Learning does not always require a teacher instructing students what to do. Sometimes, the best discoveries are self-made.
ReplyDeleteVicki,
ReplyDeleteI am really excited about virtual field trips. What an excellent way to make personal connections with the learning content. Better yet, make a concept map to fill in while engaged in a virtual field trip. You acn get both in in on lesson.