Educational Technology Theories and Theorists

Introduction

Technology is becoming more and more predominant in society. The concept of technology is a reality that has pervaded not only our everyday lives but our mere state of existence. Technology has affected every aspect of society. There is no doubt that technology holds great potential for improving the way that people learn and ready or not, technology is affecting education.

Educational Technology

Ever since the integration of educational technology there has been a dramatic shift in most of the paradigms on which traditional learning exists. The concept of incorporating technology with education is one that has gained widespread attention. Effective use of educational technology is critical to solving numerous educational challenges. Educational technology can help us meet the needs of a diverse learner population and better prepare our students for lifelong learning.

Theories of Learning

Theories of learning have a great influence on teaching and learning within our schools. They affect learning outcomes, classroom management practices, and the role of the educator. Theories of learning are tremendously significant they frame the learner’s classroom experience; they guide the teacher in establishing classroom interactions, technology applications, and classroom activities.

Cognitive Learning Theory

According to the cognitive learning theory, learning is viewed as making symbolic, mental constructions involving active mental processing on the part of the learner. The cognitive learning theory has always focused on how students process information and the implementation of the best educational strategies educators can use to promote student understanding of material.

Constructivist Learning Theory

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...what we need for tomorrow is more important than what we know today. As our student’s knowledge continues to grow and evolve, access to what is needed is more important than what the learner currently possesses. The field of education has been slow to recognize both the impact of new learning tools and the environmental changes in what it means to learn. Educational technological advances offer new learning opportunities.

Works Cited

Bruner, J. (1960). The process of education . Cambridge : Harvard University Press.

Chapman, M. (1988). Constructive evolution: Origins and development of Piaget's thought.

Cambridge University Press.

Driscoll, M. (2000). Psychology of learning for instruction. Allyn & Bacon.

Piaget, J. (1983). Piaget's Theory. Handbook .

Schunk, D. (2000). Learning theories: An educational perspective. Prentice-Hall.