Technology in Education: The Efficiency Factor (Reflections)

This week, we spent a lot of time thinking about theories of Instructional Technology and we talked quite a bit about theories of education two weeks ago. The challenge for reflection is to relate them to each other, to try to find theories of IT that fit with theories of education. This is a little difficult because they can be so distinct from each other.

To begin with, I'm going to talk briefly about my perspectives on each of them, starting with the theories of education. Perennialism is considered the most conservative of the viewpoints that we were presented with. It deals with the belief in teaching things that can proven as well as focusing on 'truths' present in great works of civilization and developing intellect. Essentialism is about civilizing through education with a focus on basic skill development and discipline. Progressivism is about teachers as guides, learning through children's interests, and using direct and authentic experiences for learning. Reconstructionism is about facilitating social change, developing internationalism, and questioning the status quo.

Next, I'm going to talk a little about the theories of IT. The Systems Theory deals with looking at natural systems to apply to man-made ones, rational procedures, and logical problem-solving. Communication Theory is focused on the components of communication. Behaviorism is about the production of observable outcomes. Constructivism is about building knowledge and the process of organizing information.

Now comes the part where they can be related. The first connection that I can see right off the bat is between Constructivism and Progressivism. Both have a focus on authentic activities and teachers as a guiding force as opposed to an authoritarian figure. The next connection that I can see is between Perennialism and Systems Theory because both are about using a greater model of comparison and focusing on logical processes. I can also associate Behaviorism with Essentialism because of the focus on standards, objectives, and behaviors. That may be a connection that isn't necessarily there, but it's what I am seeing at the moment. That leaves Reconstructionism and Communication Theory. The 'field of experience' concept has a connection to the idea of a more international types of education. Beyond that, I'm having a little trouble seeing the connection.