1. Learning With Information Technology
Presented by Dr Bob Fox,
Deputy Director, Centre for IT in Education, University of Hong Kong

2. Outline of presentation
Examine dominant schools of thought in relation to learning theories and how they influence technology-supported learning
Investigate approaches to using technology that reduces teacher preparation time and explore
some examples
Source: Dave Cutler

3. What are the Learning Theories
Learning theories are about how learning occurs
Learning theories help us understand the process of learning
Learning theories are based on our philosophy about nature of knowledge or epistemology
There are two main philosophical orientations in relation to knowledge: objectivism and idealism
These resulted in learning theories across this continuum: behaviorism, cognitivism and constructivism
The learning theories translated into concrete actions in teaching and learning (pedagogical models, approaches, strategies, etc)
Source: Presentation by Dr. Daniel Churchill

4. Towards Constructivist Models
BEHAVORISM
Stimulus & Response
Mind as a Black Box
Mind processes not important
Focus on observable cause and effect relationships
Students remember and respond
Teachers present and provide practice and feedback
COGNITIVISM
Mind as an information processor
Mind representations and mental models
Short term, long-term and working memory
Thinking involves manipulation of representations
Transfer of knowledge through cognitive strategies
Students remember rules, patterns and strategies
CONSTRUCTIVISM
Knowledge is constructed through assimilation and accommodation
Knowledge is inseparable from knower
Learning is active process that involves personal discoveries
Social constructivism evolved from cognitive constructivism
Source: Presentation by Dr. Daniel Churchill

5. What about Technology and Learning?
Source: Presentation by Dr. Felix Siu

6. Technology and Learning
Learning From Technology
Instructivist Models
Drill and Practice
Computer-based Tutorials
Intelligent tutorial systems
Gagne’s 9-events of Instruction
Reusable Learning Objects
Learning With Technology
Constructivist Models
Learning environments
Technology as a tool in a learning activity
Inquiries/problem solving
Cognitive tools
On-line collaboration and knowledge building
WebQuest and ActiveLesson
Interactive Learning Objects
Source: Presentation by Dr. Daniel Churchill

7. Instructivist Models -- Events of Instruction
Design of Courseware Authoring
Tutorial – Instructional design principles
Here is typical drill & practice tutorials
Source: Presentation by Dr. Daniel Churchill

8. Constructivist Examples
Characteristics of Constructivist E-learning environment
Source: David Jonassen

9. Constructivist Examples
Characteristics of Constructivist E-learning environment
Active: Learners are engaged by the learning process …
Constructive: Learners construct their own meaning …
Collaborative: Learners naturally work in communities, exploiting each others skills …
Intentional: All human behavior is goal directed …
Complex: Problems have multiple components ...
Contextual: Learning tasks - situated in meaningful real world …
Conversational: Learning is inherently social … 
Reflective: Learners reflect on the processes …
Source: David Jonassen

10. Lets Look at Some Examples
Check examples from David Jonassen’s collection at
Source: Presentation by Dr. Daniel Churchill

11. Lets Look at Some Examples
Here are some other examples: Typhoon  Drying Rate  Multiplication of Fractions  Learning Theories  Perspectives  Magnetic Fields  Air Pollution  Waist Recycling  Marketing Plan  Animated Gifs  Geography Decision Making Exercise 
In considering educational software use Reeves evaluation form
Reeves Pedagogical Dimensions form is useful when reviewing selected software
Here is a form for evaluation
You can read about these dimensions at:
Evaluating What Really Matters in Computer-Based Education
Dr Tom Reeves, University of Georgia
Source: Presentation by Dr. Daniel Churchill

12. Evaluating What Really Matters

13. Evaluating What Really Matters

14. Evaluating What Really Matters

15. What is a Learning Object?
Leverages on multimedia capabilities: text, graphics, animation, audio, video, etc.
As a representation it is not a copy but it stands for something from the world or mind
Utilizes interactive nature of contemporary technology
It originated with pedagogical intentions and for educational purpose
Interactive mediated representation designed to afford uses in different educational contexts
It can be reused in different educational contexts (including those unforeseen by the designer)
Source: Presentation by Dr. Daniel Churchill

16. Go to the BBC Bird Flu website and explore
BBC Bird Flu example
Go to the BBC Bird Flu website and explore

17. Example of Learning Objects
Source: Presentation by Dr. Daniel Churchill

18. Group Activity - Example of an Inquiry
Is this the shape of a rain drop?
Weather Channel
Group activity: find out the answer and propose the design of a learning object to help students understand a shape of a rain drop.
Source: Presentation by Dr. Daniel Churchill

19. Group Activity - Example of an Inquiry

20. Group Activity - Example of an Inquiry
Weather Channel Blog

21. Let’s try Xcelsius

22. INTERNATIONAL STUDY – participation needed

23. References
Acknowledgement. This presentation has been adapted from various work completed by Dr Daniel Churchill and Dr Bob Fox