Learning Theories-Stephanie Simmons

There are many theories about learning! You can begin to understand the learning process by reviewing the behavioral learning theories of operant and classical conditions, the constructivist theories, the cognitive theories of schemas and information processing, the Myers-Briggs cognitive type theory, and finally Gardner‘s multiple intelligence theory. Many of these theories can be related to technology, where I will choose one as an example to create a better understanding about the learning process, while integrating technology to the learning theory.

Gardner’s multiple intelligence theory is one of my favorite learning theories. This theory covers a variety of learning styles; verbal-linguistic, mathematical-logical, visual-spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, naturalistic, existential, and musical. As a teacher, you must try to meet each category when teaching a lesson. The lesson may not be able to include every category always, but the category must be met sometime during the unit. When teachers provide a strategy for each category, the teacher is allowing every child the opportunity to learn. There are many multiple intelligences, where each category can be met through the proper teaching methods in a technology class. I will give a few examples of intelligences, while integrating technology to the learning theory. While using technology, the verbal-linguistic category can be met when the computer can talk back to the student. I have personally experienced a program like this in middle school, where the computer program would tell me what words I just typed. This was very helpful in my learning to type and use a computer. Another category that can be met using technology is the mathematical-logical category. You can also easily complete a math project on a computer. In high school calculus, I used graphs on the computer to help me understand my mathematical assignment. This also related to the visual-spatial category because I could see the bell shaped curve and really understand the distributions of calculus. Technology was very helpful in meeting my needs as a visual learner. Another category that technology can fulfill is the musical intelligence. There are many programs on computers that deal with music programs. These assignments can become very creative and will also meet other intelligences like verbal and visual, while working with the musical category. As you can see, there are many learning theories and many intelligences, where integrating technology will not be difficult. Technology can easily be applied to learning theories and I plan to include technology into my lessons as a future teacher.