Reflections on Week 3 readings - Web 2.0 Technlogies for DE

In Week 3 I started learning more about the “miracles” of Web 2.0 technologies in relation to DE.  Learning about the distinction between epistemologies and theories of learning and how technologies are affecting pedagogies. 

I found that it is necessary here to make a distinction between epistemologies and theories of learning. An epistemology basically describes the basis on which we know or believe something to be true.  A theory of teaching or learning will be strongly influenced by one or more epistemological positions. However, an epistemology does not in itself address issues of teaching or learning. Learning or teaching theories are applications of a more general set of epistemological positions or beliefs about the nature of knowledge. Thus behaviourism is an approach to teaching and learning reflecting an objectivist epistemology, but then so are some forms of cognitive psychology or artificial intelligence.

For instance, an objectivist, didactic approach—delivering information in a well-structured and organized way—may be necessary to get learners quickly to a position where they can start asking questions or solving problems in a more constructivist manner. Nevertheless the design of teaching will be influenced by the dominant epistemological position of teachers, and this will need to “match,” to some extent, the needs of learners. It is important, then, to ensure that learners are developing the skills and competencies they will need in the “outside world,” which brings the discussion to the teaching and learning needs of a knowledge-based society. In particular, this will provide some guidance on the appropriate choice and use of Web 2.0 tools.

I have found that that the pace of this course especially has really allowed me as the learner to sit back and be able to properly reflect on the course readings.  It is a very well paced course so far. 

Reference

Bates, T. (2011) Understanding Web 2.0 and its implications for e-learning. In M.J.W. Lee & C. McLoughlin, Web 2.0-based e-learning: applying social informatics for tertiary teaching (pp 21-42). Retrieved from www.tonybates.ca/wp-content/uploads/Final-typeset-chapter1.pdf