Cognitive learning theory and technology

Learning theory, instruction, and technology are all integral parts of teaching.  They are interrelated and should be studied and implemented together as three working parts of a whole.  One learning theory, known as the the cognitive approach, can incorporate technology and enhance instruction.

A variety of technology tools can be used with the cognitive approach.  Summarizing, note taking, cues, questions, advanced organizers, concept maps, and virtual field trips can all incorporate technology using the cognitive learning theory.  Cognitive learning theory includes four main parts: sensory input of information, short term memory, rehearsal, and long term memory (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011).  Cognitive tools help gather information, present information, organize information, and integrate knowledge by evaluating and synthesizing (Novak & Cañas, 2008).  These technology learning tools help students do all of the aforementioned.

One technology learning tool that supports the cognitive learning theory is concept mapping.  “Concept maps are graphical tools for organizing and representing knowledge” (Novak & Cañas, 2008, para.1).  Concept maps allow students to make connections and build a network within their memory (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011).  It also helps students elaborate on ideas to strengthen their understanding (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011).  Lastly, concept mapping supports dual coding by using images and helping students to visualize ideas (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011).  Concept mapping would help me teach for understanding.  I would be able to post an essential question to address the big idea of a lesson.  Then, students would be focused on answering that question by creating a concept map.  Therefore, my students and I are both focused on gaining student understanding.  As a whole, my students are more of visual and kinesthetic learners, therefore having them create concept maps would meet their learning needs.

Another instructional strategy that could help students with understanding is summarizing.  I consider myself to be technology savvy; however I learned so much more about Microsoft Word this week.  Once students have read a passage, they can simply summarize what was read.  However, there are unique tools to help them do so right in Microsoft Word.  First, the teacher can model how to take a typed passage and summarize it by using the track changes feature.  Then, the teacher can also show the students how the computer summarizes the passage by using the auto summarize tool.  Students can compare their own summary to the summary done by the auto summarize tool.  Using Microsoft Word to help students with summarizing is an easy tool that can help students understand and remember information.  (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007).  

The possibilities are endless of how technology can support the cognitive learning theory and instruction.  I will admit many of these tools were new to me, but will be very helpful when teaching my students new concepts.  I look forward to teaching them new strategies using new tools to improve their learning and understanding.

References

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011). Program five: Cognitive learning theory [Video webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Retrieved from http://laureate.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=5700267&CPURL=laureate.ecollege.com&Survey=1&47=2594577&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=0&bhcp=1

Novak, J. D., & Cañas, A. J. (2008). The theory underlying concept maps and how to construct and use them, Technical Report IHMC CmapTools 2006-01 Rev 01-2008. Retrieved from the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition Web site: http://cmap.ihmc.us/Publications/ResearchPapers/
TheoryUnderlyingConceptMaps.pdf

Orey, M. (Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology.        Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Main_Page

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.