Three Possible Learning Theories Integrated By AIU Online Within The Course

I. Introduction

American intercontinental University has adopted various learning theories to cater for the needs of everyone in the world. These theories include: Gagne’s conditions of learning, the importance of structuring and sequencing of instruction, the socially mediated aspects of learning, individual construction of knowledge through experience and external constraints, experiential knowledge resident within and among adult learners and fostering deep learning.

II. Background on Learning

Learning is a gradual change in behavior due to practice or experience. Some proponents who have studied this are Gagne, Reigeluth and Piaget.

III. Theories.

A. Conditions of learning by Gagne who was an American Psychologist. In his findings and research realized that there is a great connection between learning objectives and appropriate instructional designs. In 1965 he published the book that categorized learning into five taxonomies; 1. Category is verbal information: this is very important in learning process since it will provide the learner with an opportunity to take in the information, analyze it into a meaningful context and encode it to his/her own understanding.

2. There are intellectual skills which are required in any learning. To define, classify or apply a concept to solve any problem. 3. Taxonomy is cognitive strategies which the learner employs his or her ways in learning, thinking and doing things. 4. Taxonomy is attitudes; this will enable the learner to use personalized actions to solve normal daily problems. 5. The use of motor skills, one must use what he/she has learnt to perform certain actions using muscles. B. Elaboration theory which shows importance of selecting, structuring and sequencing information.

Reigeluth (1979) gave the principles for planning and organizing instruction. Whereby, the instruction must be organized in order of complexity for optimal learning. The learner should develop meaningful concepts to base subsequent ideas and skills. C. Theory fostering deep thinking by Piaget. Piaget said that, there is need to foster deep learning. This enables the students to capitalize in emerging opportunities and be able to meet the ever changing demands of employees.

IV. Active Learning Strategies and Exploratory Learning Strategies

The types of active and exploratory learning strategy include: investigating a system using personal initiative to a real or artificial task, studying a controlled setting with special attention to newly acquired systems, using diaries and structured interviews that focus on learning events, field study, task-oriented explorations, using support from manuals/users/system support personnel and designing a system, and training.

V. Electronic Learning Support Technologies There are different learning supports available like; Electronic based facilities, resources and services that are always available.

These may be mobile learning, e-learning, web based, interactive television, cable television, video conferencing and use of emails. VI. Conclusion The entire process is highly connected to the theories of learning for instance; Gagne’s theory of conditions of learning is highly implemented because of verbal communication. Materials are structured and sequenced this is in tandem with Reigeluth elaborative theory. The need to foster deep learning is evidenced in use various electronic learning support.