LDT100x
Instructional Design and Technology: Learning Theories
Week 1 - Copyright
Copyright for web pages refers to the legal protection given to the creators of original works, which includes text, images, videos, and other content published on the internet. This protection grants the creator exclusive rights to use, distribute, and modify their work. In essence, if you create a webpage or any piece of digital content, you automatically hold the copyright to it, provided it meets the criteria of originality. This means that others cannot reproduce, share, or use your work without your permission, unless their use falls under the constraints of “fair use,” which allows for limited use without permission under specific circumstances.
Week 2 - Behaviorism
Behaviorism is a theory of learning that prioritizes observable actions as its main area of investigation, positing that all behaviors are learned through conditioning. Basically, it says we learn through our experiences with the world around us. This approach contends that learning happens through interactions with the surrounding environment as opposed to internal thinking processes. Reactions to stimuli can be either rewarded or penalized, thereby influencing future behaviors.
Week 3 - Cognitivism
Cognitivism is a learning theory that centers mental processes as key in helping people learn. It emerged as a response to behaviorism, which focused primarily on observable behaviors and external stimuli without considering individual thinking processes. The cognitivist theory, influenced by thinkers like psychologist Jean Piaget, underscores that learning is an active process where learners are engaged in the learning process. Cognitivism gained prominence in the mid-20th century, particularly during the 1950s and 1960s.
Week 4 - Constructivism
Constructivism is a learning theory that theorizes that knowledge is actively constructed by learners rather than passively received from external sources. This theory emphasizes the role of the learner's experiences, beliefs, and social interactions in shaping their understanding of the world.
Week 5 - Connectivism
Connectivism is a learning theory that emphasizes the role of social and cultural context in the learning process. It posits that knowledge is distributed across a network of connections and that learning occurs through the ability to navigate and utilize these connections. This theory is particularly relevant in the digital age, where technology facilitates the sharing and acquisition of knowledge across vast networks.
Week 6 - Andragogy
Andragogy, the art and science of helping adults learn, has a rich history marked by several key dates. The term "andragogy" was first coined by Alexander Kapp in 1833, referring to the educational theory of adult learning. In 1926, Eduard Lindeman published "The Method of Teaching Adults," further developing the concept. However, it was Malcolm Knowles who popularized andragogy in North America in 1968, emphasizing the self-directed nature of adult learners and the need for educational approaches tailored to their unique characteristics. These milestones reflect the evolution of adult education and the recognition of the distinct needs of adult learners throughout history.
Week 7 - Assessment & Learning Models
In this beginner's herbalism course, students will explore the effects and properties of herbal teas as a hands-on activity. The assignment encourages self-directed exploration of herbal teas and their effects on personal well-being.
Week 8 - Signature Assignment
The purpose of the Be Your Own Herbalist course will be to educate laypeople on the basics of herbalism, so they can be better informed about choosing and using herbal remedies and related supplements. The focus of this course will be on educating students to think like an herbalist, and understand the various frameworks for herbal selection, including Ayurveda and TCM. Students will also learn when herbs might be helpful for a condition, and when Western intervention may be necessary. Safety is one of the main focuses of this course; thus, a good portion of the content will focus on the importance of being well-informed about herbal medicine. At the end of the course, students will be encouraged to continue their studies in herbalism.
