Engagement Learning Theory and Educational Technology

1508 Words7 Pages
A framework for Technology-Based Teaching and Learning Definition  Engagement Theory is a framework for technology-based teaching and learning. “ The fundamental idea underlying engagement theory is that students must be meaningfully engaged in learning activities through interaction with others and worthwhile tasks. While in principle, such engagement could occur without the use of technology, we believe that technology can facilitate engagement in ways which are difficult to achieve otherwise. So engagement theory is intended to be a conceptual framework for technology-based learning and teaching.” (Kearsley & Schneiderman, 1999). Although Kearsley and Schneiderman recognized that engagement certainly occurs without technology, they also recognized the power of technology to enhance engagement in innovative ways. At the same time, they stressed the differences in types of interactivity that can occur in an e-learning course. They note that engagement theory is a shift away from the idea that the learner benefits most from interactivity with a computer interface to the idea that the learner benefits most when the interface facilitates connections with other human beings. The model Engagement theory is based upon the idea of creating successful collaborative teams that work on ambitious projects that are meaningful to someone outside the classroom. These three components, summarized by RelateCreate-Donate, imply that learning activities:  occur in a group context (i.e., working collaboratively in teams)  are project-based  have an outside (authentic) focus (Kearsley & Schneiderman, 1999). Relate-Create-Donate  Relate emphasizes team work (communication, management, planning, social skills)  Create emphasizes creativity and purpose. Students have to define (or at least identify in terms of a problem domain) and execute a project in
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