Annotated Bibliography

 

Ackermann, E. (n.d.). Piaget’s constructivism, Papert’s constructionism: What’s the difference? Retrieved from http://learning.media.mit.edu/content/publications/EA.Piaget%20_%20Papert.pdf 

 
       In this article, Ackermann explains how Piaget's and Papert's views are similar in order to understand them both better. You can read about the theorists' beliefs in self-directed and experience-based learning.
 
Piaget and Papert are both constructivists in that they view children as the builders of their own cognitive tools, as well as of their external realities. For them, knowledge and the world are both constructed and constantly reconstructed through personal experience. (Ackermann, n.d.)
 
Bates, T. (2014, July 29). Learning theories and online learning. Retrieved from http://www.tonybates.ca/2014/07/29/learning-theories-and-online-learning/ 
 
       In Bates webpage, he discusses the different theories of learning (Behaviourism, Cognitivism, Constructivism) and online collaborative learning, along with Connectivism. As a learner and a educator, we must know these different learning theories and know how them in today's digital world.
 
In practice, even without formal training or knowledge of different theories of learning, all teachers and instructors will approach teaching within one of these main theoretical approaches, whether or not they are aware of the educational jargon surrounding these approaches. Also, as online learning, technology-based teaching, and informal digital networks of learners have evolved, new theories of learning are emerging. (Bates, 2014)
 
​Harapnuik, D. (2016). Four keys to understanding learning theories. Retrieved from http://www.harapnuik.org/?p=6344 
 
       In this blog post, Harapnuik discusses the importance of knowing which learning theory or theories which you identify best with, in order to create the most significant environment.
 
The better you know and understand specific learning theories the better able you will be to select the best elements from all the theories which will help you to mashup the most effective learning environment. (Harapnuik, 2016)
 
Perkins, D. (1999). The many faces of constructivism. Educational Leadership. Retrieved from http://www.wou.edu/~girodm/library/Perkins.pdf 
 
       In this article, Perkins highlights the three roles in constructivism: the active, social, and creative learner. There is also ample information about constructivist learning experiences and how teachers can foster the environment needed for the constructivist learner. 
 
The active learner: Knowledge and understanding as actively acquired. The social learner: Knowledge and understanding as socially constructed. The creative learner: Knowledge and understanding as created or recreated. (Perkins, 1999)
 
Smith, M. K. (2003). ‘Learning theory’, the encyclopedia of informal education. Retrieved from http://infed.org/mobi/learning-theory-models-product-and-process/ 
 
       Smith discusses comparisons between looking at learning as a product or a process. Also, the article expresses four orientations of learning: behaviorism, cognitivism, humanism, and social/situationism.
 
​I want to talk about learning. But not the lifeless, sterile, futile, quickly forgotten stuff that is crammed in to the mind of the poor helpless individual tied into his seat by ironclad bonds  of conformity! I am talking about LEARNING – the insatiable curiosity that drives the adolescent boy to absorb everything he can see or hear or read about gasoline engines in order to improve the efficiency and speed of his ‘cruiser’. (Smith, 2003)