I belief that people learn best depending upon the persons age and life experiences. Adult learners seem to do well by focusing on single concept courses, or single theories that focus on application of the concepts learned. Also according to Zemke (1984), adults seek out learning for self fulfillment usually due to a life changing experience, such as divorce, being fired, moving to a new city and etc.
The purpose of learning theory in educational technology is to influence the technical designers to promote communication and connectivity, therefore increasing interactivity. According to Moore (1984), there are three types of learner interactions such as learner-content, learner-instructor, and learner-learner. In my experience as an online student and instructor students need all three interactions. The content of the course should be clear and include assignments and expectations of the students. The instructor needs to facilitate the class with structure and feedback. Students interact with each other on discussion boards and learn from communications.
http://www.ajde.com/Contents/vol3_2.htm#editorial
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Instructional_technology#Relation_to_learning_theory
Zemke, R., & Zemke, S. (1984). 30 things we know for sure about adult learning.
Innovation Abstracts, 6(8). Retrieved March 15, 2010 from
http://www.hcc.hawaii.edu/intranet/committees/FacDevCom/guidebk/teachtip/adults-e.htm.
A quarter of a century later, I would consider adding a fourth interaction...learner/instructor-community. This is in support of what we are discovering about the power of learning communities and Siemen's Connectivism. :-)
ReplyDeleteI agree because people do learn depending on their age and life experience. A good example will be myself. In high school I got by. I went back to school in 1999 to get my college degree. I was determine to make "A's" and that is what I have been doing. Staying focus and looking back on life past experiences, as well as the support of my family and prayers have kept me driven to do the best that I can.
ReplyDeleteI also can relate to just getting by in high school and later in life finally valuing higher education. I have had to pray for focus many times in my academic career. In class I teach I have many students that come with heavy baggage , a need for self improvement, and a fear of technology.
ReplyDeleteThe learner/instructor-community interaction seems to relate back to it takes a village to raise a child, but in this case it can also include adult students. For instance, business leaders could offer apprenticeships to students to increase knowledge and hands on training in a particular field.
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