Chapter 3: Learning Theory

In order to make good decisions about how to integrate technology into teaching and learning environments, it is crucial to understand what is known about how learning happens. This is a tall order because the human mind is complex and researchers disagree on what learning is and how to measure it. Thus, there are several theories about learning, each appearing to explain some aspects of learning better than others. This chapter introduces behaviorist, cognitive, and social theories of learning. In addition, the digital-age connectivist theory is briefly discussed. (Adult learning theories are discussed in Chapter 5 of this text.)