Online Learning Theories

     Welcome to my first blog post! Today I will be discussing three of the main learning theories and how they apply to online learning. Online learning is becoming more prevalent and it's important to know how to apply these theories in an online setting. 

    First, I want to talk about Behaviorism. Behaviorism is the theory that learning is a response to a stimulus. This is not based on independent learning, the student does not work at their own pace and it does not focus on internal or mental processes. Rather, the focus is on outward behaviors and how the student responds to certain factors created by the instructor. Behaviorism in an online environment would be quite difficult to apply, but it can be done by individually assessing the student to see if they have acquired new knowledge. The problem with this theory, however, is it does not take into account different learning needs that students may have. In a traditional classroom, these needs would be made obvious by observation, but in an online setting, it would be much more difficult to see who is struggling and why. 

    Next, I would like to discuss Constructivism. Constructivism is primarily based on prior knowledge, and students are expected to construct their own knowledge from experiences they have had. The educator, in this instance, is more on the sidelines, watching over students and giving them the space to create and discuss their own ideas. Whereas typically, the instructor or educator would be more actively involved in the process, with stricter guidelines. This theory revolves around reflection and emphasizes collaboration among peers. This approach would work fairly well in an online environment, as it doesn't require much from the instructor and allows the students to have more control over their learning.  

    The last learning theory I will discuss is Connectivism. This is a fairly new approach to learning, and it has a focus on making connections. These connections can be many things such as people, hobbies, or goals that students use to influence their learning. This theory is useful for students to be able to enjoy the learning process, as they can use connections to things/people that excite them to promote knowledge and learning. Connectivism would work extremely well in an online learning environment because it accepts and promotes that being connected gives us endless opportunities. The internet is a great way to create and maintain connections to all sorts of people or topics and this approach allows students to do so freely. 

    Synchronous and asynchronous learning are both terms that can be applied to an online learning environment. Synchronous learning refers to students and teachers meeting in "real-time" whether that's through a website like Zoom or in person in a classroom. This allows free interaction with peers and instructors where everyone is in the same place at the same time, again, whether that's online or in person. Asynchronous learning refers to accessing learning materials at the student's own pace and collaborating with peers and instructors over the internet, whether that is an email or discussion board situation. This is a fairly self-paced learning style, and it is used frequently in online classes.

    Online learning does however have its pros and cons, much like everything does. The self-paced approach that online learning offers can be extremely helpful to some, but less helpful to others. If a student struggles with motivation and the ability to focus, this can be a huge setback in an online environment, as no one is there pushing them to complete the work. Some students, however, work better at their own pace and find it helpful to push themselves to complete tasks, rather than have someone do it for them. A notable setback in online learning would be the internet in general. Some families do not have the access to computers and internet that other families have, which can make going online for school very complicated. Something most people can benefit from though would be the idea that you have the option to complete the work on your own time, while still being able to maintain a job or do the things you enjoy doing.

    Works cited:

Cook, Andrea. “5 Recommendations for Remote Learning from Parents.” Leanlab Education, Leanlab Education, 12 Dec. 2022, https://www.leanlabeducation.org/blog/5-recommendations-to-improve-remote-learning?gclid=Cj0KCQiA2-2eBhClARIsAGLQ2Rn5D9Ko3X3EEXhNVclodwmIQ3mkiveat_PU1z-C6Rxh8_V9jMOcD2YaAmqgEALw_wcB.

“What Is Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning?” IT Teaching Resources, 9 Feb. 2021, https://teachingresources.stanford.edu/resources/what-is-synchronous-and-asynchronous-learning/#:~:text=Synchronous%20learning%20refers%20to%20instructors,each%20other%20over%20longer%20periods.

Western Governors University. “Connectivism Learning Theory.” Western Governors University, Western Governors University, 27 May 2021, https://www.wgu.edu/blog/connectivism-learning-theory2105.html.

Western Governors University. “Five Educational Learning Theories.” Western Governors University, Western Governors University, 11 Aug. 2021, https://www.wgu.edu/blog/five-educational-learning-theories2005.html.