The+Whole+Beast

=A Learning Theory and ID for 21stC Learners=



During the Investigation Team's discussions, it was acknowledged that in our work we often use or focus on a given theory(s) of learning to underpin our work or aspects of it. Sometimes across the various teams, a variety of theories of learning are used and the goup has also commented that educators cannot work from a one theory of learning fits all model in all contexts. The above paper, by Marie Sontag, explores the idea that when there are significant societal paradigm shifts, such as what we have seen in recent decades, then we have seen a parallel development of new theories of learning "to meet the changing needs of learners". However, she suggests that old theories are often discarded in these changed contexts when relevaent elements could be restructured "into substantially different configurations to meet the new needs of those we serve." She is particularly interested in how 'interactive and interpersonal applications of digital technology shape the social and cognitive development" of learners. The Powerpoint above, outlines a new learning theory and instructional design model. She uses the metaphor of "The Whole Beast" to demonstrate how different theories of learning focus on different aspects of learning (parts of the beast) and her new theory of learning by synthesizing a range of learning theories to meet the needs of students in the 21st C and which recognizes the effect digital technology has on the way students learn in this century. Marie Sontag's PPT was part of her presentation at the Ed-Media '08 Conference in Vienna, Austria.