Scavenger+Hunt

=Scavenger Hunt=

This page looks at several forms of instructional media and how they relate to the three learning theories: Behaviorism, Cognitivism, and Constructivism.

Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing
A drill and practice program like Mavis Beacon is an excellent example of behaviorism. Mavis Beacon teaches students the basic of typing. It starts with easy exercises, and progresses to more difficult exercises as the student becomes ready for more difficult challenges. The learning (behavior) is reinforced positively, through a correct sentence of word or negatively – through a typing mistake or pressing the wrong button on the keypad. Also, the various sections of the keyboard are broken down into several activities and programs to be completed. Feedback is provided regularly by checking on how many mistakes you have made and how many perfect sentences you have done. There is encouragement and reinforcement. The instruction is direct and centered on the typing skill to be learned by the student. It is content driven – in this case keyboard content. Also, behaviorists believe that instruction should be practiced in isolation and out of the context in which it will be use. This program, as well as most drill and practice software succeeds in doing this.


 * 1. Chaining:** The keyboard is broken down into several parts for easier practice and learning.


 * 2. Mind as "black box":** The software treats every new user as someone who has little-to-no knowledge of how to properly type with the keyboard.


 * 3. Reinforcement:** The software makes note of every mistake the user makes in an activity, and when a learner achieves a certain level of understanding of the keyboard the software the receive an electronic award that they can print.

Adobe Flash CS4 Professional Classroom in a Book


This textbook for Adobe Flash uses behavioral practices to teach students how to do specific techniques and tools with Adobe Flash. This book uses specific, step by step directions to teach the learner the techniques. Textbooks cannot, take into account the learner's previous experience and knowledge, since they are unable to communicate with the learner. the book provides several activities that are used for practice with Adobe flash that provide a target stimuli for the learner to reach. The book provides multiple opportunities for the learner to practice the software.


 * 1. Step by step instructions ** : The book breaks down the various Adobe Flash techniques used into small, easy to follow steps for the learners. The book also gives **practice** activities for the student to apply and use the techniques in order to reinforce learning.


 * 2. Textbook controlled learning ** : The book tries to set a pattern for what the students learn at a given time and controls the students progression of the learning. The student follows the book, learning the techniques in the order that the author of the book has determined beneficial.


 * 3.** ** Treat the learner as a "black box" ****:** the book assumes that the learner has no previous experience with Adobe Flash.


 * 3. The Software is the stimuli: ** The student learns the techniques in the books by following the steps and interacting with the chosen software. It can be determined that the student has gained a certain knowledge the software when they can complete the various activities mentioned in the book.

Bill Nye the Science Guy


The show "Bill Nye the Science Guy" follows many of the techniques and roles of cognitivism. The show uses numerous visual aids and examples to help students learn key scientific concepts. For a TV show it does a remarkable job of finding ways to help students remember what the show is trying to teach the learners as well as teach students appropriate and effective strategies for using the information they are learning.


 * 1. Processing Mode:** The show spreads the information out enough that the viewers can take it all in without becoming overwhelmed.


 * 2.** **Provides illustrations and examples:** The show provides the learner with graphs and illustrations to help make what is being explained easier to understand. It also provides several examples that help reinforce what is being taught.


 * 3. Sensory Register:** The show uses visual aids, demonstrations, and even certain sounds to help reinforce what is being taught.

WWII Propaganda Video
media type="youtube" key="_fX-G5EYJPc" height="344" width="425"

[|Propaganda Video]

This video, originally created during WWII as a way of informing people of the progress of the war, is used in a number of history classes as means of showing how new forms of warfare can greatly change the tide of any war. The video provides numerous visual aids and examples of when one army believes that what has worked in winning previous battles will automatically win the next battle. The information is spread out far enough in the video that the learners can process what is being said without feeling overwhelmed.


 * 1. Processing Mode:** The propaganda video's narration is stretched throughout the cartoon so that the learner is given time to take in what is being said.


 * 2. Sensory Register:** The show uses a clear narration, wonderfully drawn visual aids, and an appropriate musical score that registers with the viewer and helps reinforce the message of the war effort in the propaganda video.


 * 3. Provides illustrations and examples:** The video provides numerous images and examples of how Hitler's Army grew in power so quickly and why his army was so successful in many areas early during the war.

Adobe Connect


The software Adobe Connect is an excellent example of constructivism. This software utilizes principles of constructivism, letting students participate in discovery learning activities and problem solving projects. It encourages multiple forms of representation, communal learning, and inquiry-based instruction. Students have much more freedom, choosing their own direction and methods, working together to create unique projects through Adobe Connect.


 * 1. Multiple Representation:** Adobe connect allows users to write text, use webcams, give demonstrations, and present information from your own computer.


 * 2. Communal Learning:** Students are encouraged to communicate with one another, bounce ideas off the group, and come up with ideas for completing the assignment or task given to them.


 * 3. Self-Regulation:** The students determine the pace and direction of the session. The students determine what techniques will be used in the meeting as well as how they will execute their ideas into a proper learning experience.

Bookbuilder
[|WWII Bookbuilder]

While bookbuilder does show some behaviorist traits, it also has a great deal in common with constructivism. The project being shown, for example, uses bookbuilder to encourage the learners to form their own opinions of the WWII propaganda being. While the instructor does act as a coach, giving the students the general idea of what to look for, the students work to find their own meaning in the propaganda. Bookbuilder utilizes multiple forms of representation and encourages students to work together to find solutions to the problem. It also encourages students to use various tools in order to create their own WWII propaganda.


 * 1. Multiple Representation:** Bookbuilder uses videos, screenshots, posters, and concise text to get the message across.


 * 2**** . Teacher as a coach: ** The teacher is more a facilitator of learning or a coach. The teacher does not demonstrate or tell the students what to do, but guides and encourages the students. The teacher is there to set parameters and helps to ease frustrations.


 * 3. Model:** The instructor provides examples that model the solution to the poster project, but does demand that the students do their posters in the exact same way. The purpose of the models is to simply give the students ideas on how to make their propaganda posters.