ABC in the City
English for Specific Purposes
Cognitivism
Cognitivism is on the behaviorism spectrum of learning theories, with a focus on structuring and organizing information in an optimal form for the learner to move through the process (Ertmer & Newby, 1993).
Information is organized hierarchically in order to connect skills in a logical manner. The instructor performs a task analysis to ensure that the 'prerequisite relationships' are in place to develop skill connections (Ertmer & Newby, 1993).
Instructors also plan for skill practice with corrective feedback in order to make the necessary connections for mastery.
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Connectivism
Connectivism is the one learning theory that squarely addresses the knowledge economy and technology-enhanced learning. The goal of the learner is to self-organize accurate and up-to-date information through the use of technology (Siemens, 2005).
The connections are like nodes in a network. These nodes represent the competence of the learner. The more relevant the connection, the more competent the learning (Siemens, 2005).
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Learning Scenarios
Connectivism
My learning scenario is researching the learning theories for this course. I prefer books and journal articles to blog posts and having access to a university library affords me the opportunity to research numerous sources to find the best information for my needs. This technique of information-search is supported by the Connectivist theory of learning. Using technology to create connections of meanings is at the heart of the Connectivist approach to knowledge acquisition.
Specifically, I utilized the ubiquitous search engine at the university online library. At first blush this may seem banal, however search is a critical feature of navigating the online environment (and a multi-billion dollar business, a la Google). Without a proper navigation system, you cannot begin to traverse the digital landscape.
With this skill firmly in place (keywords are your friends) I found numerous articles and books that I was able to reference for this subject (and all the subjects in the course). I consider the technology indispensable to my learning.
Cognitivism
My learning scenario is completing the course requirements for the Instructional Design course.
The course is set up in a somewhat Cognitivistic manner, with weekly assignments. Each assignment has associated readings, a discussion post and a portfolio activity. They build on one another to develop a more complete picture of the learning process according to various learning theories.
I used the Cognitive approach in the following ways:
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I completed independent readings tied to the content.
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I worked sequentially through the required discussion posts to demonstrate comprehension and application.
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I developed a working schema of the information through the process of portfolio development.
One of the components from the course that was not represented was the corrective feedback. Although there is a discussion component, it was not focused enough to be of consistent value as a corrective measure. One way to remedy this is to have the portfolio pages due weekly so that feedback can be given each week to enhance the learning experience. However, constraints of personnel may impact how practically this could be done.
References
Ertmer, P.A. & Newby, T.J. (1993). Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructivism: Comparing Critical Features From an Instructional Design Perspective. Performance Improvement Quarterly, 6(4), 1993, pp. 50–72.
Siemens, G. (2005). Connectivism: A Learning Theory for the Digital Age. Retrieved from http://itdl.org/journal/jan_05/article01.htm