Cognitive Learning Theory in the Classroom with the Use of Technology

Just as last week, today's post will be utilizing ideas gained through the use of the textbook, "Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works" (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). As stated in the title, this weeks entry will focus on various instructional strategies and their relationship with cognitive learning theory. Refreshing my memory on cognitive learning theory and some of the tools that go along with it reopened by eyes to the effectiveness of many of the strategies associated with the theory and also the ideas that are associated with the theory, which I will be sharing with you today.

One of the most influential concepts that comes from cognitive learning theory, in my opinion, is the concept of dual coding of information. This idea essentially states that the ability to remember things can be positively impacted if you can find a way to remember it in two ways, or dually. The most practical way for me to achieve this as a social studies teacher is to consistently provide useful images to go along with ideas, people, events, or places that I am covering with my students. In addition, if I can use a concept map at the same time, I can not only take advantage of dually coding the information, I can also take steps to create a network of information relating to a single topic, thus increasing my students ability to remember whatever it is we are discussing. When it comes to organizing information, I feel that concept maps give you a great ability to succeed, especially when it is a digital concept map that is capable of including images along with text. That way, students can not only see the web of information but also the images that exemplify and identify the ideas, events, or people we are discussing.

Another useful tool in the classroom that exemplifies cognitive learning theory is the use of the virtual field trip. If used effectively, a virtual field trip can create an actual experience that students will be able to look back on to remember information. The creation of an actual experience can be the most effective way of retaining information and if a virtual field trip is executed properly, it can do just that. In my opinion, the best virtual field trips are those that create a sense that you are actually there. Many virtual field trips that are available are simply a slide show that fuses information and pictures together and calls it a virtual field trip. I disagree. I think that an effective virtual field trip incorporates more then just pictures and text. They should include moving video taken from the point of view of actually being at the site. This way, an actual experience is created in the students brain so they can recall the information that is learned from the virtual field trip.

I plan on suggesting many of my colleagues to review the information presented in the cognitive learning theory and also strategies that make use of ideas taken from the theory. I feel that a lot can be gained by doing so and it can reignite the desire to make a concerted effort to use these strategies in the classroom to ensure that students are given the best opportunity to retain the information that is presented to them on a daily basis.