There have been so many tools talked about in the last three weeks that can be used in correlation with the Constructionist Theory of learning. I have used a few already in my teaching to date, such as PowerPoint, Excel, and Blogs. Constructionist based learning according to Dr. Orey is essentially getting students involved directly in the process where they are in charge of the learning and by combining their ideas with these technologies it is easy to create projects and situations where student can use PowerPoint and create a wonderful multimedia presentation in which they were the architects of the learning process. For example, my history class did a project on Civil Rights and created their own history lesson focusing on key events in the civil rights movement and they went above and beyond what I would have taught them in class and they had fun doing it. The presentations were well received by the whole class and students even actively asked questions.

I am also going to incorporate Blogs into my classroom next year and hope to continue creating constructivist/constructionist learning opportunities for my students online.


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

Cognitive learning theory has student involved in the learning process to help them make the connections necessary to learn the academic material and higher order thinking skills necessary to succeed in the world today. In our class we have been focusing this week on how technology can further student learning by proving tools and experience to increase cognitive learning in students.

Cues, Questions, and Advanced Organizers all relate to Cognitive learning through getting students brains ready to learn by accessing prior information (Cues) and getting students ready to think through questions and then process information given to them in a organized and visual manner (Advanced Organizer) so it’s all there for them to see. Technology enhances these and makes learning more enjoyable for many students allowing them to be creative, visual, and even add some audio if they like.

Summarizing and note taking are important skills for all student to learn especially if they are going g on to college and these skill relate to cognitive theory because they have students organize information in a way that makes sense to them so it make the proper connections for them to remember and understand and provides the framework for higher level thinking. Technology can be used to enhance this though spreadsheets, Wikis, and other multimedia tools.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Program five. Cognitive Learning Theories [Motion picture]. Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author.Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

Behavorist Theory and Technology

Behaviorist Learning Theory
While reading our text this week something stood out to me in regards to using technology in the classroom is a great benefit to our students, the idea that, “technology makes it easier for students and teachers to track effects on effort and facilitates more immediate feedback” (Pilter, 2007 pg. 156). Immediate feedback (positive reinforcement) is something we as teachers cannot do on a daily basis to everyone of our students face to face without more hours in the day but by introducing technology such as spreadsheet software (Excel) and data collections tools that the text mentions you can track some great student trends and provided that feedback and reinforcement (Behaviorist Theory-Operant Conditioning) to everyone with little time requirements. Of course I believe this will not re-place the face to face feedback and reinforcement but it can add to it and keep it constant for the student’s sake.

The Text and the video both touched on Online web based resources. These can also be very advantageous and connect to the behaviorist theory. “Online educational games have an inherent appeal and generate immediate feedback that allows a student, parent, and teacher to monitor progress towards mastery” (Pilter, 2007 pg. 195). The building of skills to mastery through students mastering small increments of information over time provide positive reinforcements to the student to keep going the whole time learning and slowly mastering concepts needed in the class room.


Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author.

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