Learning Theories and Teaching Models

Objective

This course is designed to promote a fundamental understanding of the theoretical and applied knowledge related to theories of learning and instructional models for the design, development, implementation and evaluation of e-learning (eL) environments.

The course introduces to the theoretical overview of how human learning occurs according to the various learning theories and examines how instructional methods enriched by new technologies can accommodate the learning process correspondingly. In particular, by this course we attempt to interpret the phenomenon of learning through the examination of instructional methods (principles, methods, strategies & techniques) and the applications in eL environments. In the context of the course content, it is examined the behavioral and cognitive approach, the constructivist theories (cognitive and social) in specific instructional methods (PBL, ADDIE model, Cognitive Apprenticeship, Situated Cognition etc) for e-learning solutions.

Course Contents

• Introduction to Learning with Technology: Learning Theories and Instructional Models.
• Behaviorism (Pavlov’s Classical Conditioning, Skinner’s Operant Conditioning): principles, conditions, restrictions, application in technology. Socio-cognitive Learning Models (Bandura’s socio‐cognitive learning theory, self-regulated learning, self-efficacy, self-directed learning): principles, conditions, restrictions, application in eL environments.
• Cognitive learning theories and Constructivism (Piaget, Pappert, Bruner, Gagné): principles, conditions, restrictions, application in technology. Neuroscience & Information Processing: information processing models, memory, perception, attention, mnemonic devices & strategies, chunking, metacognitive strategies, problem solving, critical thinking, hyperlearning, applications in eL environments.
• Social Constructivism (Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development, Lave’s & Wenger’s Theory of Situated Learning, Collins’ Brown’s & Newman’s Theory of Cognitive Apprenticeship, Spiro’s Cognitive Flexibility Theory): principles, conditions, restrictions, application in eL environments.
• Instructional Models: didactic principles & strategies, examples & applications to technology, educational scenarios/scripts, applications in eL environments.
  • Merrill’s First Principles of Instruction
  • Discovery Learning
  • Bloom’s Taxonomy
  • του Gagne΄ 9 Events of Instruction
  • ADDIE instructional design model
  • Dick and Carey Systems Approach Model
  • Kemp instructional design model
  • Kirkpatrick’s four-level model Project Method
  • ASSURE model
  • Cognitive Apprenticeship
  • Cognitive Flexibility Theory (Rand Spiro)
  • Inquiry Teaching
  • Problem Based Learning
• Assessment of Learning and Assessment for Learning: types of assessment, diagnostic assessment, formative assessment, summative assessment, authentic assessment, apliations in eL environments.