I think that people learn best when they are comfortable. This comfort can come from knowing a few things. One important thing is knowing that it is okay not to know everything. Another important bit of knowledge is experiencing moments when the educator demonstrates that he or she does not know everything.
I have observed that when it comes to learning, most of the students I teach come into the classroom feeling a sense of shame or apprehension because they fear that they will be mocked, or wrongly treated because of their lack of knowledge about a topic. I have devoted a portion of my teaching style to helping students feel comfortable with responding to questions. On way I do this is by using questions that begin with phrases like "What do you think..." I also let me students know early on that there is truly one incorrect response. That response is "I don't know". I do not accept this response to questions which ask for their opinions. It generally works well. If I do not receive the appropriate response, then I give it to them, but I accept all responses.
Students will sometimes ask questions in which I have no immediate answer for. I see this as another opportunity to help them loosen-up. I simply respond to them that I am not sure, and I search for an answer as soon as I can. I also give them a sense of ownership by asking them to look for the answer and pointing them in the right direction.
Together, the methods mentioned above tend to help students relax and feel as though they can seek and find information. These are the moments when they learn. They take these moments and assimilate them into other courses.
Learning Theory
Learning theory's purpose in educational technology seems to be simple. The usefulness of technology aides in education has to be evaluated. In those evaluations, educators must know and be able to determine how the technology aides in the learning process. Through observations, and other methods of research, a pattern of behaviors related to the use of technology in education can likely be established. The pattern will, ultimately lead to the formation of certain theories. The testing of the theories is the basis for establishing the value in continuing or not continuing with the use of technology.
Below are links to further information about learning theory and educational technology. I reviewed these sites to gain some understanding of the concept.
http://www.usask.ca/education/coursework/802papers/index.htm
https://sites.google.com/a/boisestate.edu/edtech504/lflemmer
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