Hello!
In this discussion, I examine the following question and respond to the following prompt:
Why do you think it is important to understand the epistemology (theory of knowledge) underlying a learning theory? Discuss the impact that an understanding of knowledge can have on a distance education professional's choice of instructional practices and technologies.
Happy reading!
Why do you think it is important to understand the epistemology (theory of knowledge) underlying a learning theory?
Arguably, I think there is a correlation between a DE professional’s epistemological vantage and their practice. To explicate further, the underlying knowledge of learning perspectives may drive a distance educator’s instructional and technological choices. In fact, Bates (2019) noted that knowledge of various frameworks puts educators “in a better position to make choices about how to approach their teaching”. He added that an educator’s theoretical approach also affects their technological choices or the way they utilize it to support their instruction (Bates, 2019). This therefore suggests that an epistemological apprehension of a learning theory helps guide a distance educator’s practice. More specifically, it helps DE practitioners make the best decisions that suits their context, making it crucial for DE professionals to apprehend the epistemology that underlies a learning theory.
Implications on Practice
The apprehension of such epistemological knowledge tremendously impacts professionals in the e-learning sphere. Particularly, it can shift their perspective which can ultimately result in a change in their instructional approach. Anderson (2008) noted that having an understanding widens the scope of thinking of practitioners. Simply put, they are then better able to view their work and research from a broader vantage. He also added that this broad perspective helps an individual to assimilate information and form necessary connections (Anderson, 2008).
Take for instance a DE professional who prior to exposure of such knowledge dogmatically adheres to a certain educational principle. In this case, the instructional and technological choices of the professional will be based on this particular framework. Ultimately, this can significantly affect learners especially when taking individual differences into account. However, after acquiring a better understanding of knowledge, that DE professional may become more open and more inclined to integrating other educational models in their instructional approach. Consequently, the instructional and technological choices that he or she now makes will reflect their current (broader) perspective and not their initial (dogmatic) perspective.
In fact, thinkers have critiqued dogmatics or those that adhere too strictly to a particular principle. Precisely, they asserted that devoting to a particular framework “filters our perceptions…” (McCormick & McCormick, 1992, as cited in Anderson, 2008, p. 45). This assertion highlights the flip side of the argument in that it shows how one's perception can be affected when one principle is strictly adhered to or when there is a lack of understanding. It thence indicates the significance of acquiring, assimilating, and comprehending such knowledge which ultimately impacts one’s instructional and technological choices.
Question
What do you think about the relationship between a DE professional’s epistemological vantage and their practice? Do you share my sentiments mentioned in this thread or do you beg to differ? And Why?
Also, feel free to mention other impacts that an understanding of knowledge can have on their choices. I can't wait to hear from you!
Krista
MDE student
University of Maryland Global Campus
University of Maryland Global Campus | UMGC
References
Anderson, T. (2008). Towards a theory of online learning. In T. Anderson (Ed.), The theory and practice of online learning. Athabasca University Press. pp. 45-74.
Bates, A. W. (2019). Chapter 01: Fundamental change in education, and Chapter 02: The nature of knowledge and the applications for teaching. In Teaching in a digital age. SFU Document Solutions Books. https://teachonline.ca/teaching-in-a-digital-age/teaching-in-a-digital-age-second-edition
Saba, F. (2011). Distance education in the United States: Past, present, future. Educational Technology, 11-18.
Krista,
I especially like how you address the (apparent) contradiction that theory can both widen our view and narrow our views. The danger, of course, is getting too attached to one theory. That can narrow our focus. And the solution? Almost certainly becoming aware of multiple theoretical approaches (more than one epistemological assumption).
The implication of all that which could disturb some folks (especially objectivists) is that our attachment to certain epistemological assumptions can also be narrowing... also restrictive. Yes. There is a right and wrong. Sometimes. But always? Probably not.