Learning+Theories+and+Tools

On completing my exploration into each digital tool I decided to put together a nice summary of the learning theories and which tool they correspond with. Please note this is my personal opinion. Obviously if we break down each single element of the tool we can most likely find something that matches the theories. But let's be global learners and simply look at the big picture.
 * Theory

Tool || Behaviourist || Cognitive || Constructivist || Connectivism || Online Timline || No* || Yes || Yes || No ||
 * Wiki Activity || No* || No || Yes || No ||
 * Tool 1: Website || No* || No || No || Yes ||
 * Tool 2: Digital Video || No* || Yes || No || Yes ||
 * Tool 3: Powerpoint || No* || Yes || No || Yes ||
 * Tool 4:
 * I have not mentioned in each blog how behaviourist theory comes into play. I think the traditional behaviourist theory is perhaps outdated when it comes to education. Yes behaviourist ideals of reinforcement is great for behaviour management and shaping rote learning. In Mergel's (1998) article he states that when observing behaviourist theory a learning task needs to be broken down into specific measurable tasks and a teacher then marks whether they are correct. This idea can be applied to rote learning and assessment items. But in terms of general learning and understanding I don't think behaviourist theory has a place in ICT tools.
 * The only elements within the theory that I think can apply to 21st Century learners is the idea of __feedback from teachers__ and __modelling good practices__. This feedback on work can shape learners and help them build new skills for the next task. Feedback ties in the notion of reinforcement. Teachers can also demonstrate to students positive online behaviour, safe internet use and how to use tools. This all comes under behaviourist theory ideas of Bandura's social learning theory and shaping, where individuals learn through observation and imitation (Learning Theories Knowledgebase, 2012). To sum up I feel that the actual ICT tools are not demonstrating behaviourist principle but rather it is the actions of the teacher that rely on the theory. A good teacher will use feedback and modelling to help learners develop their ICT skills which in turn develops their ability to engage as 21st Century students.

References

Learning Theories Knowledgebase. (2012). //Social learning theory (Bandura)//. Retrieved from http://www.learning-theories.com/social-learning-theory-bandura.html

Mergel, B. (1998). //Learning theories of instructional design//. Retrieved from http://www.usask.ca/education/coursework/802papers/mergel/brenda.htm