Psychological Perspectives on Technology and Learning

According to Smaldino, Lowther, & Russell (2008) there are 4 major domains of learning:

1. Cognitive—Verbal/Visual (memorization of info); Intellectual Skills (requires application of critical thinking and the manipulation of info).
2. Affective—Attitudes, feelings, and values.
3. Motor Skill—Athletic, physical, and manual skills.
4. Interpersonal—Ability to relate with other people.

Smaldino, Lowther, & Russell (2008) stated “how teachers view the role of technology and media in the classroom depends very much on their beliefs about how people learn” (p. 10).
There are 4 psychological perspectives on learning:

1. Behaviorists—(Skinner) believe that reinforcing, or rewarding desired responses, could shape behavior.
2. Cognitivists—(Piaget) believe in short and long term memory. New info is short term until it is rehearsed enough to become long term.
3. Constructivists—believe that students create their own interpretations of the world of information, thus learn by doing.
4. Social-Psychologists—(Slavin) focuses on group structure of the class—small group collaboration, independent study, whole class.

If a classroom is teacher-centered, technology is used to present information to the students. If the classroom is student-centered, then the students use technology and media to do projects and process information. I believe that a good classroom teacher uses technology to present instruction and allows students to use technology to learn. Students should have hands-on experience with the computer and be familiar with smart boards, printers, and the Internet.

Reflection:
There are parts about all 4 psychological perspectives that I consider when teaching my students. I am a behaviorist when I reward exceptional behavior. I am a cognitivist when I use drill and practice exercises to help the students memorize note value. I am a constructivist when I allow my students to compose their own song and play it on an instrument of choice. I am a social-psychologist when I incorporate cooperative learning in my class.

What is your psychological perspective on learning?

Smaldino, S., Lowther, D., & Russell, J. (2008). Instructional technology and media for learning.
Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.