Tag: Constructivism

Selecting the Theory that Effectively Helps Students Mastery a Specific Task

Posted on | by Brandon Carson | Leave a Comment on Selecting the Theory that Effectively Helps Students Mastery a Specific Task
Students speaking around a laptop.

Please note: This blog post is a course related assessment for the Master of Arts in Learning and Technology program at Royal Roads University. After reading Ertmper and Newby’s (2008) article “Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructivism: Comparing Critical Features From an Instructional Design Perspective”, I found myself captivated by Ertmer & Newby’s statement The critical question instructional designers must ask is not “Which is the best theory?” but “Which theory is the most effective in fostering mastery of specific tasks by specific learners?” (p 6.1) The current hybrid course I am teaching for the Winter 2019 semester requires students to learn the… Read More

Espalier: A Lesson in Digital Abundance

Posted on | by Brandon Carson | Leave a Comment on Espalier: A Lesson in Digital Abundance
Several digital devices around a table.

Please note: This blog post is a course related assessment for the Master of Arts in Learning and Technology program at Royal Roads University. For Activity 6, my classmate and I explored the implications of abundant content for lifelong learning.For our topic, we chose to learn how to grow a tree along a flat surface in a predetermined pattern. A Google search for “How to grow a tree along a flat surface” led to the discovery that this technique was called ‘espalier’. Feeling inspired and informed, we used this term to search further. The photo below shows the ‘Images’ from… Read More

My theoretical and pedagogical stance

Posted on | by Brandon Carson | 1 Comment on My theoretical and pedagogical stance
Two people working on laptops and writing on paper.

Please note: This blog post is a course related assessment for the Master of Arts in Learning and Technology program at Royal Roads University. After reading through the theoretical positions described by Ertmer and Newby (2013) and Merrill (2002), I struggled on selecting one position. The principles outlined by Merrill (2002, p. 43) of “(a) Learning is promoted when learners are engaged in solving real-world problems. (b) Learning is promoted when existing knowledge is activated as a foundation for new knowledge. (c) Learning is promoted when new knowledge is demonstrated to the learner. (d) Learning is promoted when new knowledge… Read More