Kerianne Niswonger
Competency 2:
Create Knowledge
EDCI/531: Primary Learning Theories and Instructional Design
Final Synthesis
Sub-Competency 1 (2SC1): Demonstrates ability to describe common research methods in Educational Technology
With writing the paper Final Synthesis, I have demonstrated the ability to describe common research methods in Educational Technology. The purpose of this paper was to show that constructivism is the better learning theory for eLearning, and how Instructional Designers use constructivism for online learning environments. I demonstrated my skills with research, comparing theories, reviewing literature, and by gaining a new perspective on emerging learning theories. According to Mager and Pipe (1997) “Actions produce consequences; those consequences, favorable or unfavorable, shape how we will act in the future” (p.44). As a result of my research, I have learned that, learning is impacted when students are included in the decision-making process and have a sense of ownership.
Sub-Competency 2 (2SC2): Demonstrates ability to read and evaluate Educational Technology research
I demonstrated my ability to read and evaluate Educational Technology research with my Final Synthesis paper. I conducted research locating 10 resources, which I used to analyze, and compare Behaviorism and Constructivism theories. Behaviorism is based on the learner’s behavior and environment, whereas cognitivism focuses on how the student learns and recalls what has been learned. According to Ertmer and Newby (2013) “The main intent is to provide designers with some familiarity with three relevant positions on learning (behavioral, cognitive, and constructivist) which should provide a more structured foundation for planning and conducting instructional design activities” (p. 56). As an Instructional Designer, I will continue comparing and contrasting different theories to design effective learning environments.
Sub-Competency 3 (2SC3): Applies research findings to the solution of common problems in Educational Technology
I have applied research findings to the solution of common problems in Educational Technology. Through my research I have located and analyzed several sources that supported my position. My position shows that constructivism is the better learning theory for eLearning, and how Instructional Designers use constructivism for online learning environments. The constructivist approach when applied to an e-learning environment allows students the opportunity for engaging in active experiences, enabling them to interactively explore and solve real-world problems through meaningful interaction. Since constructivism is student-centered, inquiry and activity-based which correlates well with online learning environments the constructivist appears to be most effective. I have learned and demonstrated that choosing the appropriate learning theory or combination of learning theories will result in achieving an effective learning environment.
References
Ertmer, P.A., & Newby, T.J. (2013). Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructivism:Comparing
Critical Features from an Instructional Design Perspective.Performance Improvement
Quarterly, 26(2), 43-71.Retrieved from https://mycourses.purdue.edu/bbcswebdav
/pid-8191218-dt-content-rid33401606_1/courses/wl_16272.20172/wl_16272.201720
_ImportedContent_20161202121217/Ertmer%26Newby_2013.pdf
Mager, R. F., & Pipe, P. (1997). Analyzing performance problems or you really oughtawanna.
Atlanta, GA: CEP Press. Retrieved from https://mycourses.purdue.edu/bbcswebdav/
pid-8191194-dt-content-rid 33401585_1/courses/wl_16272.201720/wl_16272.201720
_ImportedContent_20161202121217/Mager_Pipe_chp4_5_6.pdf