Learning Theories that Support Integrated Technology
There are many different learning theories that support the use of meaningful technology into the classroom. One of the most widely known learning theories is the Constructivist Theory of Jerome Bruner. Bruner believed that learning is an active process where learners construct new ideas based on their background knowledge. Students come to school with preconceived notions about how the world works and what they need to do to live and be successful in it. Technology, and the access to it, has changed the ways students live every day. Students are no longer solitary in their learning- no longer is it expected that students will work alone. Instead, 21st century skills such as creativity, collaboration, critical thinking and communication, are being fostered in schools. In 20 years, it will be irrelevant if you were able to memorize all the Canadian provinces and their capitals, but they will care if you are able to work and collaborate with others. Part of being able to communicate and collaborate in today's work is the ability to use technology effectively, which is why teachers need to start encouraging digital citizenship and online communities and introduce different tools so that students can connect with their peers, and others around the world, from school and home.
Another theory is the Communities of Practice theory that states that the idea behind learning is that it is social and comes from our interacting and participating with one another. For example, students would work together to share ideas, strategies as well as solve problems together in a collaborative environment. These ideas are not new ones, rather they just need to be updated in order to provide students with the skills that they will need to be productive in the 21st century workplace.
Another theory is the Communities of Practice theory that states that the idea behind learning is that it is social and comes from our interacting and participating with one another. For example, students would work together to share ideas, strategies as well as solve problems together in a collaborative environment. These ideas are not new ones, rather they just need to be updated in order to provide students with the skills that they will need to be productive in the 21st century workplace.
What does meaningful use of technology look like?
Meaningful use of technology goes beyond replacing a pencil paper task with one done on the computer, just for the sake of using technology. Using technology allows user to gather information more quickly than ever before, organize it in various ways and then share the information and collaborate on it with others. In addition, using technology in a meaningful way can move the current curriculum beyond basic knowledge and comprehension to application of knowledge and analysis of information by focusing on higher-level, critical thinking skills. In using technology effectively, there becomes an element of scrutiny and decision making with every Google search. Ultimately, students should be able to create something, or experience something that would not otherwise be possible without the use of that particular technology, app or device.
Meaningful use of technology goes beyond replacing a pencil paper task with one done on the computer, just for the sake of using technology. Using technology allows user to gather information more quickly than ever before, organize it in various ways and then share the information and collaborate on it with others. In addition, using technology in a meaningful way can move the current curriculum beyond basic knowledge and comprehension to application of knowledge and analysis of information by focusing on higher-level, critical thinking skills. In using technology effectively, there becomes an element of scrutiny and decision making with every Google search. Ultimately, students should be able to create something, or experience something that would not otherwise be possible without the use of that particular technology, app or device.
In looking at ways of making technology use meaningful, the SAMR model provides various entry points for educators to begin or continue using technology in the classroom. The SAMR model was developed by Dr. Ruben Puentedura and distinguishes different ways that technology can be used in education. The SAMR model is not the only model that explains the different ways that technology can be integrated or used in education but it is one that provides teachers with little to no experience with tech, a place to start.