Learning Theories

After reading the blogs of Bill Kerr and Karl Kapp I am of the opinion that there is an overlapping of various educational theories when considering the most effective way to teach and learn. No one theory can stand alone when talking about the educational process. Even when educating from a behaviorist point of view there are aspects of this mannerism that will take some type of internal thought. In this digital age when teaching or learning from one of the isms of educational thought; Stephen Downes connectivism will always be present. The connectivist thought of making connections with the various data bases that are available and collaborating with others will always be part of educating. Kerr and Kapp blog links are;
http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2007/01/isms-as-filter-not-blinker.html
http://karlkapp.blogspot.com/2007/01/out-and-about-discussion-on-educational.html
Stephen Downes envision networks of people who share the same interests or hobbies, the same political or religious affiliations - or different interests or affiliations, as the case may be, all connected by the internet. Downes web site; http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&aq=0&oq=Stephen+Dow&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4ADFA_enUS341US343&q=stephen+downes

EDUC-7105-1

Module1 Assignment


I agree with Siemens when he says for a metaphor the online instructor should be a curator.
"a curatorial teacher acknowledges the autonomy of learners, yet understands the frustration of
exploring unknown territories without a map"(Siemens 2007). Online educators should allow the learners to use their individual strenghts to demonstrate their understanding of the content that is presented to them. The online instructor should be expertise enough to guide the learner in the direction of the content she/he is presenting to the learner. The learner should be given the space to construct their knowledge with the connections she/he makes through the use of digital technology. As Siemens states: "while the learners explore when they engage with subject matter, the key concepts of a discipline are transparently reflected through the curatorial actions of the teacher" (Siemens 2007).

Reference

Siemens, G. (2008). Learning and Knowing in Networks: Changing roles for Educators and Designers