I believe that people learn when they are motivated. This motivation could be the process needed to accomplish a goal or it could be information that holds interest for the learner. Teachers have the unique opportunity to mold learner’s motivations. They can present information in a logical clear way that allows learners to obtain mastery over new concepts, and they can inspire students to learn and discover answers to questions that can help society.
The purpose of learning theories in educational technology is to provide clear and effective practices to meet and exceed students learning needs. Learning theories are the blue prints that allow teachers to motivate and inspire learners to master concepts through clear concise practices that facilitate inquiry and problem solving. The ability of instructors to shift learning theories with different learners is the necessary skill that allows teachers to be able to meet the learning needs of diverse learners.
Teachers are also better equipped to provide the proper motivation to assist students at different learning levels. In my experiences learners are rarely on the same level of master or motivation when it comes to learning, therefore teachers have to be able to adjust instruction to meet the diverse learning needs of all students. This ability of teachers to adjust and refine instruction is influenced by the mastery of the content and the understanding of different learning theories. An analogy to help point out the usefulness of learning theories is to think of a mechanic working on a car with only one tool. A mechanic might be brilliant and have the ability to fix any problem, but he will be handicapped without the ability to adjust tools to fix any problem that could arise. In the same light teachers can be more effective with the understanding of multiple approaches of meeting students learning needs.
I enjoyed reading Jasmine Turner Blog. I posted a comment at http://aspirestar.blogspot.com/2011/03/learning-theory-and-educational.html#comments
I also read and commented on Jamie Blog at http://mrcsviewfromthetop.blogspot.com/2011/03/what-are-my-beliefs-about-how-people.html?showComment=1302491025810#c4368585335069277645
I enjoyed reading your blog on educational technology; I’m an Edutainment enthusiast.
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I agree Coach,
ReplyDeletePeople learn when they are motivated!
Learning theory explores how we learn; varying perspectives shape the way educators design curriculum and instruction. Educational technology provides many opportunities to increase student engagement through motivation. Educational technology allows for the growth and development of educational systems that address the individual learner through multimedia applications tailored to individual needs. Learning theories in educational technology demonstrate effective educational practice. Connectivism as a learning theory geared towards the Digital Age
considers 21st century technologies impact on the learning process by considering non-human appliances, current knowledge, and decision-making Educators who embrace motivation have the ability to help students reach academic achievement.