Learning, Teaching & Technology

By: Blair Thallmayer & Nicole Kincaid

Agenda

What is learning?What is teaching?What is educational technology?Technology ToolsWhat can technology do?What can’t technology do?ActivitySummary

What is learning?

Constructivist Theory (J. Bruner)Experimental Learning (C. Rogers)Cognitive Theory- Bloom’s Taxonomy Processing of LearningHttp://www.prenhall.com/egbert

What is educational technology?

Electronic technologies that are used for learning and teaching.Goals:

A tutor that presents information to be memorizedSupport for student explorationA creativity & production toolA communication tool

Technology Tools

Word ProcessorMultimedia PresentationDrill & PracticeDatabaseSimulationsSpreadsheetsTutorialTelecollaboration over the Internet

Technology Can…

Help make learning more efficient by controlling large amount of data quicklyMotivate studentsStrengthen teachers’ preferred instructional approachesWork quickly & objectivelyProvide a great wealth of resources and allowing student choices

Technology can not…

Manage 20 third gradersDecorate a classroomMake friends or show respectCreate lessons that address the needs of diverse students

Teach

Activity

Create a web map on the main idea/topic of LEARNING.

Summary

Technology is a tool that teachers can use to support learning, but learning must be foremost.

If teachers do not understand how to support learning, technology use will be ineffective and inefficient.

Summary Continued…

Kleiman (2000) summarizes, “while modern technology has great potential to enhance teaching, turning that potential into reality on a large scale is a complex, multifaceted task. The key determinant of our success will not be the number of computers purchased or cables installed, but rather how we define educational visions, prepare and support teachers, design curriculum, address issues of equity, and respond to the rapidly changing world.”

Technology & Learning 1 Running head: TECHNOLOGY AND LEARNING

Technology and Learning

Blair Thallmayer

East Stroudsburg University

Technology & Learning 2

Abstract

Technology & Learning 3

Technology and Learning

Identification of the Issue

Whether or not technological advancements and tools can assist in increased academic

achievement has been a much-debated topic for quite some time. Many believe that the use of

technology is incredibly helpful in teaching students who may struggle in a classroom environment.

On the other hand, the amount of scholars and professionals who feel that technology can prove to be

more detrimental than helpful is by no means a minority. To truly grasp the issue at hand, the idea of

what constitutes learning must first be explored. Exactly what is learning?

Learning is a change in the mental structures of people that creates the capacity to

demonstrate different behaviors. When a student learns, for instance, long division, his mental

structure enhances to the point that a mathematical problem in this genre does not seem intimidating;

the student has a new found capacity for solving such problems. There are different schools of

thought on the learning process, though, from a behavioral standpoint as well as a cognitive

standpoint.

The behaviorist theory considers learning to be a relatively enduring change in observable

behavior that occurs due to experience. In the aforementioned long division example, the experience

gained by the student from practicing numerous problems would increase his capacity for solving

such problems, which could then be observed through assessments or an attitude towards solving the

problems. The cognitive theory of learning differs slightly, in the sense that it does not automatically

consider the change in behavior to result immediately.

A third theory, which is quite prevalent in Bruner’s theoretical framework, is known as the

constructivist theory. This theory discusses learning as being an active process during which learners

construct new ideas based on their present and past knowledge (Egbert, 10). A common theme in the

various theories of learning deals with experience: while cognitive learning does exist, it is generally

Technology & Learning 4 considered rather meaningless when stacked up next to experiential learning. Rogers says that

cognitive learning comes in the form of absorbing vocabulary or math principles, whereas

experiential learning refers to the actual application of the lessons learned (Egbert, 10). An example

of the experiential learning would involve learning about tax preparation in order to actually go out

and prepare someone’s taxes.

Though the cognitive theory of learning has taken some hits, it is fairly in-depth, combining

several steps that encompass the entire process of learning. This is known as Bloom’s Taxonomy.

The student begins by recalling information in the form of memories. He then summarized what was

learned in order to better understand the materials. Next, the student will apply the new knowledge

by implementing it in a real-world setting. From there, the student’s cognition will analyze the

knowledge, evaluate it through checking and critiquing, and finally, produce or invent new ways of

viewing things. Understanding what constitutes learning is only half of the whole, however, as the

issue at hand is how learning pertains to the usage of technology (Rosenberg, 113).

In its broadest sense, technology is described as the set of both physical and in software form,

that help us act and think better (Egbert, 11). Today, when the word technology is uttered, the

seemingly instant response in the minds of those hearing the term involves computers and

Blackberry’s, and other similar devices that constantly upgrade. In actuality, even something as

simple and outdated as an erasable pen is considered to be a technological advancement. With this in

mind, technology is not a term specifically referring to advanced computer systems, but rather the

application of scientific or organized knowledge gathered by other means, including different tools,

techniques, processes, and methods, to practical and hopefully achievable tasks (Egbert, 11).

In the classroom, or from a schooling standpoint, educational technology is the process of

applying tools for educational purposes as well as the tools and materials used. Technology comes in

a wide array of shapes and forms, and constantly changes by being upgraded. At its most basic core,

Technology & Learning 5 technology vastly increases the resources available to teach students. When electricity was first

introduced, teachers found themselves capable of incorporating television, film strips, and overhead

projectors into the curriculum. Technology has further been revolutionized to the point that usage of

software and DVDs has become rather routine and standard. Additionally, some instructors even

rely upon PowerPoint presentations to teach specified classroom lessons (Eggen & Kauchak, 443).

Educational technology is more often than not computer related, and is designed to

supplement the abilities of the instructor at hand as well as apply audio and visual enhancements to

the material; incorporating audio and video will, in theory, make the students more interested and

capable of staying focused. The reasoning that champions of technology in the classroom give for

their stance relies on the ideals that advancements in technology will improve the effectiveness of the

materials being taught. This will then result in more absorption in the mental structures of the

students, which leads to increased motivation.

Using technology to instruct in the classroom is more important now than ever, simply due to

the current times we live in. Hundreds of years ago, the idea of visual aids such as movies or slide

shows would have seemed laughable; today, these forms of technology are almost expected. There

are several issues with regards to using technology in the classroom that must be addressed, however,

ranging from the experience of the instructor all the way to the actual reliability of the materials. For

instance, a teacher must first become virtually an expert in utilizing the desired forms of technology

in order to make the most of its usage.

Review of Literature

Eggen & Dauchak (2007) talks about the subject matter of technology and learning.

“Regardless of teachers’ perspectives on technology, the way they apply it in the classroom depends

on their learning objectives and their views of learning”- (Eggen & Dauchak, 444). This is then

Technology & Learning 6 discussed in three parts: behaviorism and technology; technology and cognitive learning theory; and

social cognitive theory and technology.

Behaviorism and technology is strongly influenced by the use of technology within the

classroom and it is estimated that 85% of the existing educational software emphasizes skill learning

based on behaviorist principles. Also, learning is thought of as a change in behavior that results from

experience. In other words, the behavioral change results from both antecedents and consequences in

a relationship. Lastly, classrooms are not the best places for learning because the number of students

together with differences in their learning progress makes it very difficult for teachers to effectively

reinforce and shape behaviors (Eggen & Dauchak, 445).

Technology and cognitive learning theory each have two sub-sections. The first is the

information processing section including four parts: (1) attract attention and create accurate

perceptions, (2) manage the resources of working memory, (3) promote encoding into long-term

memory, and (4) manage processing with metacognitive skills (Eggen & Dauchak, 446).

Social cognitive theory and technology include other forms of technology way beyond

computers to capitalize on symbolic modeling to promote learning. Also, “using technology does not

produce learning. Teachers’ learning objectives must be clear, and think clearly about how

technology can help learners reach the objectives”- (Eggen & Dauchak, 449).

Egbert (2009) discusses the topic of what drives the use of educational technology. Egbert

states that technology is used in classrooms across the nation. For some teachers their interest is

doing something innovative that drives technology usage. For other teachers, obligations imposed by

their schools/districts require lab use. Others include community and or parental pressure, student

demands, and economic rewards. State and federal laws push technology use by requiring that

teachers and students be proficient and demonstrate learning. With this in mind, the current federal

No Child Left Behind legislation requires that every student be technology literature by the end of

Technology & Learning 7 the eighth grade, and teachers must be knowledgeable enough to help students reach this goal. The

increase in student excitement, motivation and achievement that teachers see as a result of

technology use is another teacher motivator to use educational technology (Egbert, 14).

In addition, Egbert discusses three guidelines for using educational technology. Guideline #1-

Understand that realities of technology use; learning to use technology effectively takes time. Give

the teacher and students that time. Guideline #2- Examine equity and access for students; not all

students have equal access to technology. Teachers must make sure that everyone who needs it is

given fair opportunities. Guideline #3- Consider student difference; students who are physically

and/or socially challenged or have other barriers to learning must be considered while technology-

enhanced instruction is being designed (Egbert, 18).

Egbert finally summarizes the characteristics of effective learning tasks into six parts: (1)

focus on goals, (2) includes technology that is working and available, (3) includes teacher training

and support, (4) allows time to learn relevant technologies, (5) provides needed resources, and (6)

use technology only if appropriate- (Egbert, 15).

Egbert, Rosenberg, and Salend have a similar view on technologies for supporting learning.

Based on their views I have collected data and organized it into three categorizes: components of

electronic tools, and assistive technology. Components of electronic tools contain hardware,

software, connection components, input devices, output devices, processing devices, communication

devices and operating systems- (Egbert, 20). Additionally, instructional technology could include

computer based instruction, hypertext, hypermedia, CD, DVD, digital documents, web cameras,

captioned TV, interactive white/smart boards, liquid crystal display computer projection panes,

virtual reality, internet, address accessibility issues, weblog, webquests, and good digital citizenship-

(Salend, 357-366).

Technology & Learning 8

Assistive technology is a huge favor for many students. Assistive technology is special

hardware and software technologies designed for specific needs. It can help teachers to provide larger

text for sight-impaired students, voice recognition for students with physical disabilities, and extra

wait time, feedback or practice for those who need it. Salend (2008) chats about AT as an item, piece

of equipment or product system—whether bought, modified or customized—that is used to increase,

maintain, or improved the functional capabilities on an individual with a disability. Assistive

technology is often categorized as being high or low technology. High-technology devices tend to be

electronic, costly and commercially produced, and low-technology devices are usually inexpensive,

non-electronic, easy to use, readily available and homemade- (Rosenberg, 15). These acts also

address the principle of universal design, a concept that guides the design and delivery of

products/services so that they are usable by individuals with a wide range of functional capabilities.

Finally, if AT is included within a student’s IEP (individualized education program) the teachers

must use the appropriate sources that will impact that student’s academics, social and behavioral

performance- (Rosenberg, 56).

The ISTE has created National Educational Technology Standards and Performance

Indicators for Students (revised June, 2007). The sections included within those standards not only

promote technology education but student learning. Standards are sectioned by creativity and

innovation; communication and collaboration; research and information fluency; critical thinking,

problem- solving and decision making; digital citizenship; and technology operations and concepts

(Egbert, 8).

A Clear Connection to the Learner (Student & Teacher)

Ryan and Cooper (2000) have a very pretty clear view of how technology is connected to the

learner, for a student, as well as a teacher. Let’s begin with the connection to the students. Many new

technologies have been introduced into the educational setting in the last decade. To facilitate those

Technology & Learning 9 new technological tools, educators group them into content-specific categorizes, even though some

examples will cross disciplines and join subjects, such as social studies and math. Many disciplines

use some technology’s tools, but how a teacher uses telecommunication in science will differ from

how another uses it in English- (Ryan & Cooper, 217).

The types of technology tools available for students could include anything from Word

Processor to Telecollaboration over the Internet. Word Processor is often used because it is easy to

cut-and-paste procedures and the ability to save and return to a document later encourage editing. It

has on-screen spell checkers, dictionaries and thesauruses aid accuracy. Alpha Smart* is a portable

and user friendly word processor, is especially popular with teachers who work with younger writers-

(Ryan & Cooper 218). Multimedia Presentation Software is another good idea for students. It

combines text, audio, video and virtual environments that help students to communicate to complex

ideas. It also caters to a variety of learning styles. PowerPoint allows students to easily combine a

variety of media or even publish a presentation on the Web- (Ryan & Cooper 218).

Drill and Practice is similar to an interactive worksheet, but it provides feedback for the user

and the teacher. Progress through the program depends on mastery of previous levels. Also, it is

effective at reinforcing a concept. Reader Rabbit is a popular program to reinforce letter recognition,

rhyming words and word families- (Ryan & Cooper 218). Database will organize and store complex

sets of information. Database users sort through information and filter unwanted data. The Valley of

the Shadow web site offers students access to a variety of searchable databases from two

communities during the Civil War - (Ryan & Cooper 218).

Simulations are interactive in nature; simulations allow students to reenact an event. Students

assume roles in the story, making decisions to which the software responds appropriately. Decisions,

Decisions: Local Government lets students play the role of a mayor facing a dilemma about the city’s

economic future - (Ryan & Cooper 218). Spreadsheets allow users to form multiple calculations and

Technology & Learning 10 to see all answers simultaneously. A powerful tool to manipulate large sets of data and includes easy

tools to graph. Students can study a graph of populations demographics in a community and use a

spreadsheet program, like Excel to predict future changes in that society - (Ryan & Cooper 218).

Tutorial provides the initial instruction for a topic in a self-controlled, self-paced environment;

monitors progress and evaluates the students once instruction is complete.

Students’ location within the tutorial can be saved. Intermediate Algebra allows teachers to

individualize their students’ instruction in math - (Ryan & Cooper 219). Telecollaboration over the

Internet allows for fast, inexpensive world-wide communication and collaboration. It organizations

supports these projects, allowing students to participate n legitimate research. The GLOBE Program

supports a project that uses data on acid rain and waste disposal collected and submitted by students

around the world - (Ryan & Cooper 219).

The movement towards ISTE has produced technology standards and encourages teachers to

teach these skills within the context of their academic curriculum. This trend is encouraging;

however, for technology to be truly integrated as an important part of the classroom, several addition

shifts must take place in current practices and attitudes. The impact of technology on learning

depends more on how teachers use the technology than on the characteristics of the technology itself-

(Rosenberg, 232). There is a different role for the teacher as of now. By incorporating technology

within the context, the subject matter drives the technology. Technology takes us full circle and

Project CHILD combines traditional and constructivist views of education- (Rosenberg, 233).

Professional resources and communication for teachers is also changing. Voice mail is a less

expensive technology modification. Email is also changing accompanying inexpensive and quicker

feedback. Internet and World Wide Web has many teacher resources available, reducing teachers’

isolation through technology; teachers have discovered that the Web makes possible new levels of

individualized, and encourages collaborations that take students far beyond the classroom

Technology & Learning 11 (Rosenberg, 234). Finally, management/ teacher productivity tools are helpful with technology.

Grade books done by new software save time for educators, as well as other software projects that

allow teachers to spend more time at the art of teaching and less time dealing with paperwork,

organization and materials management, including test generators, question bank, lesson planning,

IEP software, and calendars –(Rosenberg, 235).

Recommendations

I strongly recommend using technology as an educational tool within the classroom. Having

the appropriate training to use such technology devices within the classroom, I would love to use as

much equipment necessary to reach the learning levels, and styles of all students.

Success or Failure of the Recommendations

Some applications can be classified as cognitive tools when they are used to engaged and

enhance thinking. These tools are applications that manage information in ways that allow users to

think more clearly, creatively, and critically. They allow users to organize information in new ways,

evaluate it, and construct personally meaningful representations of it. They derive their power from

their flexibility and their ability to unleash creativity and foster significant cognitive processes. In the

words of one team of researches, “we learn best ‘with’ technology rather than ‘from’ it.” Cognitive

tools aren’t necessarily meant to make learning easier. Instead, they often require students to think

harder, more critically, or more creatively than without the tool. Much of the working world uses

cognitive tools for everyday tasks, and we believe that all teachers and students should have similar

opportunities.

There are many computer technologies that might be considered cognitive tools. Today most

educational software applications use a combination of instructional techniques to achieve the

desired outcomes. It would be relatively rare to find an application that neatly fits into only one of

Technology & Learning 12 these categories. Moreover, teaching approaches that use educational software normally draw from

two or more of these categorizes, combining instructional techniques and technologies.

Failure of the recommendations conclude that technology is always updating, so once you get

used to a program, there will be newer and more current programs, so you must stay updated and

constantly current. Sometimes the system or technologies won’t work, due to Internet connections

being faulty, too many people logged onto the network. Whereas a teacher can adjust to the learning

styles of several students, technology is more concrete and set in stone.

Conclusion

Overall, it is inevitable that technological advancements are going to shape the future of

teaching and classroom instruction. To what extent is yet to be determined, but whether the

technology comes in the form of interactive computer software or advances in overhead projectors

and/or chalk boards, the materials used by teachers to instruct students will consistently go through

changes. Because technology has become so important in the classroom, it is always important to

remember that the “how” is usually better than the “what.” By that I am referring to the abilities of

the teacher to incorporate the technology correctly, as opposed to just blindly putting it into use.

With this in mind, I feel it is incredibly important for teachers to attend training sessions on

the uses of newer technologies. On top of that, collegiate level students looking to gain employment

in the teaching profession should be required to have at the very least, cursory knowledge, of

technology before even being considered. Things may have been different 200 years ago, but our

society is now technologically advanced, and even teachers need to adapt to the times.

Technology & Learning 13

References

Cooper, K. R. (2000). Those Who Can, Teach. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

Egbert, J. (2009). Supporting Learning with Technology: Essential of Classroom Practice. Upper

Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Merrill Prentice Hall .

Kauchak, P. E. (2007). Educational Psychology: Windows on Classrooms. Upper Saddle River,

New Jersey: Pearson Merrill Prentice Hall .

Michael S. Rosenberg, D. L. (2008). Special Education For Today's Teachers. Upper Saddle

River, New Jersey: Pearson Merrill Prentice Hall .

Salend, S. J. (2008). Creating Inclusive Classrooms: Effective and Reflective Practices. Upper

Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Merrill Prentice Hall.

Summary 1. Standard/Outcome: I.B 2. Demonstrate Mastery: (1) Research on existing technologies. (2) Use of

instructional theories and teaching models. (3) Learner characteristics, developmental levels and individual differences as related to instructional technology.

3. Artifact Benefit: This PowerPoint was created as a visual aid for a presentation in my PSED 516 course Learner and the Learning Environment. It proposed that teaching and learning should connect with the use of technology however there is no research done to provide feedback that proves technology enhances learning.

Reflection The agenda of the PowerPoint is: What is learning; What is teaching; What is educational technology; Technology Tools; What can technology do; What can’t technology do; Activity; and Summary.

Technology is a tool that teachers can use to support learning, but learning must be foremost. If teachers do not understand how to support learning, technology use will be ineffective and inefficient.

Overall, it is inevitable that technological advancements are going to shape the future of teaching and classroom instruction. To what extent is yet to be determined, but whether the technology comes in the form of interactive computer software or advances in overhead projectors and/or chalk boards, the materials used by teachers to instruct students will consistently go through changes. Because technology has become so important in the classroom, it is always important to remember that the “how” is usually better than the “what.” By that I am referring to the abilities of the teacher to incorporate the technology correctly, as opposed to just blindly putting it into use.

With this in mind, I feel it is incredibly important for teachers to attend training sessions on the uses of newer technologies. On top of that, collegiate level students looking to gain employment in the teaching profession should be required to have at the very least, cursory knowledge, of technology before even being considered. Things may have been different 200 years ago, but our society is now technologically advanced, and even teachers need to adapt to the times.