This weeks topic was to make links between cognitive learning theory and some technology items we explored. I would like to start with a quick review of the 4 major points of the cognitive learning theory as described by Dr. Orey.
1) He suggested humans have a limited short term working memory, meaning we can only take in roughly 7 new items at a time. This is why our phone numbers are broken up into smaller chunks when we memorize them.
2) Elaboration is another component, meaning we make better connections by having more ways of making the connections.
3) Duel coding hypothesis states we remember better when we have a picture to go with our text. A suggestion in this weeks readings was to use an inverted T chart, with text on one side and supporting graphics on the other side.
4) Network model of memory, our memory works better if we have something important to link new facts to. For example, an artifact.
How can we incorporate the cognitive theory in with new technology experienced this week? A virtual field trip would provide an artifact to link information to. A real field trip would be better I think for retention and excitement of all the senses...but it is not always possible and therefore a virtual field trip is a step down from the real thing but a huge step up from “chalk and talk”. This links to the area of elaboration, a virtual field trip or mind mapping software, would provide a framework to start making further connections which would reinforce the original concept. Web based technology easily incorporates the concept of linking graphics with text, this can be done on various platforms. Using the web mapping software of www.spinscape.com provides an opportunity for students to link pictures with their notes.
Orey, M.(Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author.
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I like how technology can turn a concept map that a student is working on to organize his/her ideas into an outline for a paper or report. What a brilliant and easy tool for students to use to help them get all of their information onto a piece of paper and organize it in a way that they can write a well organized piece of work.
ReplyDeleteMy worry when I first used the online concept map was the students would just be cutting and pasting and not making real connections....but they must be able to make some connection if they are able to organize the material.
ReplyDeleteManning, have you ever completed a virtual field trip in any of your classes and if so what was the subject and how successful did it go?
ReplyDeleteI did an online frog dissection...which I would consider a field trip, although a macro won, kind of like the magic school bus does the inside of a frog...a different kind of learning took place than when we did real dissections...not sure how to describe the difference...although learning did occur for both the real and virtual field trip.
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