How do people learn best?

Almost anyone would agree that as individuals, we all have our own unique way of learning.  Some like to read, take notes, and study for tests, while others prefer to be fully engaged in the learning process, both mind and body, and to be able to step back and admire the product of their hard work.  For most, however, effective learning takes place when many methods are used in the right combination.  

I believe that today’s students are largely kinesthetic learners.  They have been raised with a variety of computer technology, both large and small, and are accustomed to hands on exploration.  Having played interactive learning games from a young age, they are familiar and comfortable exploring new software and through trial and error, are able to teach themselves new skills as well as enhance existing ones.  The following chart (Loving2Learn, 2014) provides visual representation, along with simple definitions of the various learning styles.

If you are interested in learning more about elementary school development and learning styles visit http://www.loving2learn.com, where you will find a variety of information and tools.

What is the purpose of learning theory in educational technology?

            Technology plays a major role in our world today, and preparing our students to live and thrive in that world is the responsibility of the educator.  Drawing upon proven educational theories, and building on them to effectively teach millennial students the valuable skills they will need to successfully compete in a technological world, is fast becoming a part of educations best practices for the 21^st Century.  When technology began appearing in schools, it became clear that teaching and learning was going to have to change.  As Driscoll (2005) points out, B. F. Skinner is a known supporter of radical behaviorism and “…believed that behavior could be fully understood in terms of environmental cues and results.”  With existing theories as their base, educators have the opportunity to refine their teaching skills to better match the learning of their students.  Society is rapidly moving toward creating a world that is technology dependent, and full of ‘ones and zeros’.  Understanding the value of educational technology, knowing how to effectively use and teach it, and being able to put it in the hands of students that can be aided by it, should be the goal of all educators.  

            The following video talks about the ‘missing language’ that many feel should be being 

taught in schools today.  Take a look and see what you think.

References

Driscoll, M. P. (2005). Psychology of learning for instruction (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education.

Code.org, (2013, Feb 26). What most schools don’t teach. [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKIu9yen5nc

Figure 1, (2014). Loving2Learn. Retrieved from http://www.loving2learn.com/Goals/Charts/LearningStyles.aspx

Siemens, G. (2008, January 27). Learning and knowing in networks: Changing roles for educators and designers. Paper presented to ITFORUM. Retrieved from http://itforum.coe.uga.edu/Paper105/Siemens.pdf