Learning Theories

The Technological Revolution

The Spectrum of Learning Theories
Behaviorism
Constructivism
Fitting the Other Theories into the Spectrum
Theory of Multiple Intelligence
Learning Theories and the Brain
Brain Structures
Implications for Learning Theory
Implications for Multimedia
References

 This chapter takes a brief look at the two major

categories of learning theories (behaviorism and
constructivism), the major theorists within those
categories, and the implications of those theories
for the use of multimedia and communications and
information technology for learning purposes. A
separate section within the chapter provides a
brief overview of learning based upon
neuroscience and recent discoveries about the
functioning of the brain. A series of links are
provided to further resources on learning theory,
neuroscience, and the brain.

The Spectrum of Learning Theories

As a review of the literature of learning theories will

illustrate there are many labels being used to describe
the many theories. Moreover, there are many theorists
associated with each approach. A categorization of
these labels and theorists will help in understanding
these fundamental theories.
The spectrum of learning theories consists of many
approaches or ways of explaining how humans learn. A
description of each of these theories will suffice in
providing you with enough knowledge to critically
examine the use of computer technology as a learning
device. The resume of each theory will consist of:
the associated names of the theory
a description of the theory
theorists associated with the theory
hyperlinks on the World Wide Web

A Description of Behaviorism:
The concern or emphasis of Behaviorism
is observable indicators that learning is
taking place. Contrasting this view of
learning is the emphasis of cognitive
psychologists who equate learning with
the mental processes of the mind.
Behaviorists do not deny the existence of
these mental processes. In fact, they
acknowledge their existence as an
unobservable indication of learning.

To be continued