Because no two people are alike, not all people learn in the same way. Teachers need to be educated in different ways to teach students who learn in different ways. This is why it is important to study the different learning theories. By understanding the different learning theories, teachers will be better equipped to recognize the different ways in which students learn and apply this information in their instruction (Five Educational Learning Theories, 2020).
Attached is a Learning Theory Matrix which compares four of the learning theories: behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, and connectivism. The matrix also notates the notable theorists associated with each theory, a general statement on how each theory could guide technology use in the classroom, and an example of a specific technology that could be used in the classroom that aligns with each theory. One of the biggest challenges of putting the matrix together was understanding what digital resources could apply to each theory. However, once those were realized, it became clearer as how to apply these resources to different types of learners.
Reference:
Five educational learning theories. (2020, May 30). Western Governors University. https://www.wgu.edu/blog/five-educational-learning-theories2005.html
References for the Matrix:
Bates, A. W., (2019). Connectivism. Teaching in a Digital Age. https://opentextbc.ca/teachinginadigitalage/chapter/3-6-connectivism
McLeod, S. A., (2017, February 5). Behaviorist approach. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/behaviorism.html
McLeod, S.A., (2019, July 17). Constructivism as a theory for teaching and learning. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/constructivism.html
Rhalmi, M., (2011, January 17). Description of cognitivism. My English Pages. https://www.myenglishpages.com/blog/description-of-cognitivism
What is constructivism? (2020, May 27). Western Governors University. https://www.wgu.edu/blog/what-constructivism2005.html
Heather Hise: Blog 
The digital resources were also a challenge for me. Your descriptions of each of the Learning Theories are very informative. Forums are a great way for students to discuss their observations and know the ideas of others.
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Thanks, Tyler!
I also love how students can share ideas, bounce ideas off of each other, and maybe see different perspectives that they may not have noticed before.
Heather
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Not every student learns the same way or does every class of students learn the same way. By knowing about the different learning theories we are able to adapt the lessons to best fit the needs of our students. I also had difficulty deciding which technology to include with each learning theory. A few technologies could be used under multiple learning styles.
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Hey Morgan,
I think that is what is great about technologies…they cannot be categorized into just one learning style. Just as students learn differently, teachers teach differently, and the technology can be manipulated to help enhance the different teaching strategies in order to benefit the different learners.
Heather
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Hi Heather,
Understanding examples of each theory was a challenge for me, too. You created some great examples of using technology for each theory. Just as each student has their own learning style, there are so many different types of technologies available to students and educators. I especially appreciate your example of forums for constructivism. Forums are a great way for students to be creative and collaborate. I look forward to reading more from you!
-Dallas
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Heather,
Learning styles are very important. As you have noted, it is very important to cater to different learning styles. Educating yourself on different learning theories, methods, and strategies make you aware that people learn in different ways. Placing digital resources for each theory presented a challenge for me as well. Because this was my first time creating a learning matrix in this way, it took some time to complete it. I feel it was a great experience and will be something I can use or reference in the future.
-Valencia McWhorter
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