E learning theory

ϵ-Learning Theory-
Communal
Constructivism

The theoretical underpinning
of ϵ-Learning
 Learning theory itself is
prime for development.

 e-Learning takes the
concept of “community of
learners”.

 “Communal
constructivism”-
individuals not only learn
socially but contribute to
other learners.

e-Learning has limitations:

1. The fixed times
2. Locations for
learning

However, e-Learning is
simply an add-on in the
technology itself

The concepts of e-Learning have
emerged from:

1. A number of different
traditions and fields
2. Education
3. Psychology
4. Computer science
5. Sociology

Three main theoretical frameworks
underpinning educational and e-
Learning theory:

Behaviourism

The best known proponents
of the approach:

The most prominent
theorists of Cognitivist
approaches:

Sensory-motor skills: 0-2 years; reaching,
touching and so on

Pre-operational: 2-7 years;
linguistic development, intuitive
understanding of some simple
processes
Concrete operations: 7-11 years;
organized thinking, problem
solving with “real” contexts

Formal operations: 11-15 years; abstract
conceptualization and formal logic

The learner`s steps: implying
that some learning capabilities
are dependent on the
consolidation of others

David Wood introduces the
concept of “scaffolding”

Scaffolding is considered as part of the
tutor`s role

Sample Websites
1. https://www.cs.tcd.ie/publications/tech-
reports/reports.01/TCD-CS-2001-04.pdf

2. http://searchwarp.com/swa596784-
Educational-Implications-Of-Theory-Of-
Communal-Constructivism.htm

3. e-Learning Theory – Communal
Constructivism : SAGE Knowledge
knowledge.sagepub.com/view/e-
learning/n5.xml

4. E-learning: concepts and practice -
University of East London
www.uel.ac.uk/rite/issues/vol1/2/bookreview/p
p34/

Socio—constructivist model
requires a third dimension
to the interaction

Learner

http://www.simplypsychology.org/vygotsky.html

1. Vygotsky places more emphasis on culture.
2. Vygotsky places considerably more emphasis
on social factors.
3. Vygotsky places more (and different) emphasis
on the role of language in cognitive
development

• Communal Constructivism is an approach to
learning in which students construct their own
knowledge as a result of their experiences and
interactions with others and are afforded the
opportunity to contribute this knowledge to a
communal knowledge base for the benefit of
existing and new learners (Holmes, 2001)

Two analogies, of water flowing in a river
and in a pipe, illustrate the basic tenet of
communal constructivism.

Tutors

Learning
Program

Students

Salomon, G. and Perkins, D. (1998)

The concept of PhD study
The concept of PhD study is that of the students
making a contribution to the field they are
studying.
Doctoral students attempt to expand knowledge
in a discipline and are encouraged to publish
their results so that their own work is recorded
and helps develop the field of knowledge.
the doctoral study is arguably one of the best
learning experiences available, especially if it is
undertaken in a team context such as a
science research group

They represent a significant move forward for e-
Learning, based on communities of users/learners in a
communal constructivist context.

form of e-Learning exemplified by weblogs
(blog)
http://languagepie.wordpress.com/

form of e-Learning exemplified by multi-user
object oriented systems (MOO)
http://www.angelfire.com/ma/CasaDax/moo.html

form of e-Learning exemplified by multi-editor
wiki systems (wiki).
http://web20andlanguagelearning.wikidot.com/wi
kis

SEEDS OF CHANGE!

 To learn with and from others
 Peer tutoring and project-based
learning in a group
 Conventional educational process will
become increasingly vulnerable to
change in the face of communal
constructivist approaches stimulated
by e-learning environments.

REFERENCES
 Holmes, Bryan, and John Gardner. E-Learning: Concepts and
Practice. New Delhi: SAGE Publication Ltd, 2006.
 Holmes, Bryan, et al. Communal Constructivism: Students
constructing learning for as well as with others. Ireland: Trinity
College Dubin. (2001), https://www.cs.tcd.ie/publications/tech-
reports/reports.01/TCD-CS-2001-04.pdf as on 6 February 2013.
 The modern Language Association of America. MLA Handbook for
Writers of Research Paper. Seventh edition. New Delhi: EWP. 2006.
Print
 Onike, Rahaman,. Educational Implications of Theory of Communal
Constructivism. (2010),http://searchwarp.com/swa596784-
Educational-Implications-Of-Theory-Of-Communal-
Constructivism.html as on 6 February 2013
 Sammons, Aldans. Approaches to Psychology.
http://www.psychlotron.org.uk/newResources/approaches/AS_AQB
_approaches_BehaviourismBasics as on 6 February 2013
 Silverthorn, Pam. Jean Peaget’s Theory of Development. (1999)
http://members.iinet.net.au/~aamcarthur/4_Mar_2008_files/Piagets_
Theory_of_Development.pdf as on 6 February 2013

Why is making it social valuable?
Which is better? Why?
Getting it from a peer… Or getting it from a teacher?

How to design
d Multi-user Object
i
s Oriented systems
c
u (MOO)?
s
s
i
o
n

E learning theory

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