Week 2 - Digital Learning Frameworks

I used Text2MindMap to create a mind map of the key elements of my chosen framework.

Upon researching and reading about the Big 6 process model and Engagement Theory I found that I related quite easily to aspects of both frameworks, which made it difficult for me to decide which one suited me and my digital learning the most. After creating a mind map of both frameworks, I realised that I understood and related to Engagement Theory more so than the Big 6 model.

The Engagement theory is an authentic framework which focuses on technology based teaching and learning. It outlines that the "students must be meaningfully engaged in learning activities through interactions with others" (Kearsley & Shneiderman, 1999) through tasks that incorporate levels of creating, problem solving, reasoning, decision making and evaluation.

As outlined in the above mind map, this particular framework is very much based on collaboration which is one of the main aspects that appealed to me the most about this framework. This component of collaboration is evident amongst peers and also a community of learners - which in today's technologically advanced society could quite possibly mean an online community of bloggers.... :-)

Because this is a 'real' framework and can be easily related to real world issues, it encompasses an element of positivity towards technology outlining the "positive role that technology can play in human interaction and evolution" (Kearsley & Shneiderman, 1999). I believe that this is definitely something that is needed in today's classroom and if teachers have a positive mindset about technology then this framework is essential to follow and perhaps implement.

When engaging in the Engagement Theory I could identify how much it related to other teaching frameworks, particularly the Marzano & Pickering's Dimensions of Learning (2006) which also has focuses on student engagement, interaction and collaboration. There are many possible learning activities that could be designed based around this framework, especially activities that promote student engagement through positive interactions with others - like small group work, problem solving activities and activities that relate to student's interests in general.

I am interested in what my fellow peers think about the Engagement Theory and Big 6 Process Model, as I am open to new perspectives on each :-)

References:
Marzano, R. J., & Pickering, D. J. (2006). Dimensions of Learning Teacher's Manual. Victoria: Hawker Brownlow Education.

Kearsley, G. & Shneiderman, B. (1999, May 4). Engagement Theory: A framework for technology based learning and teaching.
Retrieved July 24, 2010, from:
http://home.sprynet.com/~gkearsley/engage.htm