Theories
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Learning theory in the context of developing a Wiki
Common features of Powerful Learning Environments: De Corte (2000), De Corte et al (2003)
- group discussions of content & process
- authentic tasks and realistic problems that have personal meaning and future use
- initiate and support active, constructive learning processes
- enhance students’ awareness of their cognitive processes
Constructivism
Constructivism is a learning theory based on the idea that knowledge is constructed by a learner based on mental activity. Learners are considered to be active knowledge developers. They receive data and then, through learning activities, they are convert that data into knowledge they can use.
Constructivism is founded on the premise that, by reflecting on our experiences, we construct our own understanding of the world consciously we live in.
Collaborative development of a wiki page is a group activity where numerous people are reflecting their experiences and constructing new better understanding of the world we live in.
Find more at Constructivism - Wikipedia
Deep approach to learning: Biggs, Entwistle, Ramsden, Tait & McCune, Marton (1976 – 2006)
Starts with an intention to form a personal understanding - plus a range of conceptually related learning processes:
- Active interest and personal engagement
- Thinking for yourself
- Relating ideas
- Gaining an overview
- Questioning and using evidence critically
- Seeking the main point / seeing the purpose or wider context of a task
- Drawing conclusions
- Monitoring understanding and regulating
Theories about how people learn
The SLICE of LIFE Conference
- see the keynote presentation "Principles of E-learning: lessons from cognitive psychology" by Geoff Norman - he talks about Cognitive Overload and how text, image and sound can be less effective than sound and image, and how students presented with two views of wrist anatomy did better than students presented with a rotating 'model' (for example)
How might future students use WikiVet to help them learn?
- Look things up?
- Learn lists of conditions/ddx/etc?
- Test themselves with flash cards
- Create links that aren't already there?
- Create sections of their own?
- Hold discussions on topics