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
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Henry,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your statement that no one theory stands alone. As choices in instructional methods have evolved, especially with the growth in digital/multimedia tecdhnologies, I tend to believe we approach learning by using an educational process or technology that produces the desired outcomes first, then apply a theory to explain why that process worked. This is especially true when considering the different learning styles that students have. Do you think the connectivist approach discussed by Downes in which we access knowledge through networks parallels the curatorial instructional design professed by George Siemens?
Your comment about connectivism reminded me about some research that I read about what makes schools work. Above and beyond everything that can be measured and studied at a school, the connections that the students have make more difference than anything else -well, it's all connected. When a student has great teachers, is active in extra-curricular activities, the community is involved, the curriculum is interdisciplinary, the campus is inviting and safe - school works! It's all about connections.
ReplyDelete