UNIT IV – CASE BASED, COG FLEX, & LEARNING OBJECTS

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.