I agree with Kerr when he summarized the learning theories as a tool kit of techniques that assist in helping students meet their learning needs. Each learning model addresses specific learning needs and provides the best practices to ensure learners meet their learning goals. The tool kit analogy allows instructors to provide diverse teaching methods to ensure every student is learning and retaining information.
Learning theories are constantly evolving and instructors tend to gravitate toward one model that meet own learning style. I believe that instructors should learning how to recognize students learning need and be able to use these learning models to ensure that every student is learning at their full potential. Learners are complex and their learning needs and styles change as they develop, this development can be addressed by first recognizing the student’s learning need and adjust the pedagogy to be successful in meeting them. Technology is a beautiful tool that allows instructors to adjust teaching styles and methods to meet a diverse group of learning needs. Technology can also be used to measure and adjust pedagogy according to data.
In my opinion as learning models develop instructors should master the ability to recognize students’ specific learning needs and use learning theories as an instrument to assist in helping students meet and exceed their learning need.
I read and posted on Charles blog about this topic at http://mrcsviewfromthetop.blogspot.com/2011/03/cognitivism-as-learning-theory.html#comment-form
I also posted a comment on Jasmine blog at http://aspirestar.blogspot.com/2011/04/cognitivism-as-learning-theory.html?showComment=1302493371265#c4343675655010810010