1.
What are key
similarities or striking differences between the theories/models in Unit IV? Do the theories/models in Unit IV share any
common foundations or principles? Case
based learning is similar to goal based/scenario based learning models in that
they are all context-based learning models.
Context-based learning models are then used in part in Cognitive Flexibility
theory which I think is extraordinarily useful when trying to teach critical
thinking skills. Cog Flex is kind of
like Case Based Learning and/or Case-Based Reasoning on steroids. I think Learning Objects is actually fairly
similar to Cog Flex because together they take parts from other learning
models, reimagining them in a fresh new context to present a clearer
picture. Learning objects is not really
a model or a theory, but a working idea where parts can be reused in various
ways “in a web module based on the principles of such theories” (lesson 14
slides).
2.
What are you initial
reactions to these learning theories/models?
What are barriers to their use?
What benefits might be expected for those who overcome the barriers? I have used Case-Based Learning Methods and
Case-Based Reasoning Models before and I am a huge fan. Once I wrapped my mind around the Cog Flex
Theory, I decided I liked it to, but I can see how the Case-Based could be
beneficial for almost everybody at every educational level, but I think the Cog
Flex Theory would be mostly for older students – maybe high school depending on
the school, but definitely adult learning.
As for Learning Objects – I think that can be used at just about any
level as well. While some critics
believe the disadvantages of Learning Objects are fairly significant, I think
it really just depends on what you start out with and where you are
headed. While I agree that “removal of
context from content runs counter to the many in-context learning models
discussed this semester,” if you are removing context and repurposing the
information to a much younger/less experienced audience, I could see how using a
growing scenario as the student becomes more educated would actually be extremely
beneficial. Barriers could be the amount
of time spent developing logical, consistent, coherent cases and the level of
difficulty carrying the case forward. Developing/building
scenarios that could be repurposed could be more difficult to develop depending
on the curriculum being taught and the level of said curriculum.
3.
Would you attempt to
use any of the theories/models with the students you are currently teaching or
hope to teach in the future? Why or why
not? Could elements of the theories/models
be modified so that they would work with your current/future students? As mentioned previously, I have used
case-based Learning Methods and the Case-Based Reasoning Model in my classes
before. I have not really used them in
probably a year, not well developed case studies anyway, but fairly generic
case studies are utilized in my week 3 webinars every month, and are always
well received. Cog Flex I think would be
a lot of fun to use, and in December I want to spend a bit of time looking into
Cog Flex more deeply to see how/if I can incorporate this model into my
teaching sessions. As for Learning
Objects, I need to think on this one a bit to see if I can incorporate these
into my teachings. I don’t think it would
be very difficult to incorporate, but need to do so appropriately so it is a
logical inclusion into the curriculum without creating a lot of unnecessary
work on all the instructors and the course support staff.
4.
Since we’re taking
learning theories/models that were not necessarily created with the Web in mind
and turning them into Web modules, what Web-based tools or resources could be
leveraged to carry out these learning theories/models online? Please spend some time identifying tools and
resources for this last point, as this background research should help you
complete your projects more efficiently. Well,
I would think maybe Web 2.0 would be a good one and although this was created
for the web, it seems like Second Life would be great for this because Second
Life is role playing anyway, so seems like a perfect fit.
