In order to design a Web site to be used
effectively for Web-based instruction, the designer must take into account
the many different learning theories that can be applied during the development
of materials for the site. A successful designer will understand
the different theories that describe how people learn.
I believe the constructivist theory of learning and
the cognitive flexibility theories are most applicable to Web-based instruction.
They both prepare the learner to problem solve situations based on the
assumption that we all construct our own perspective of the world based
on individual experiences. Both theories also claim that a learner
should be actively involved in order to construct knowledge. Therefore,
the learners should be given situations in which they are actively involved
in self-directed learning.
Another theory I believe to be useful is
the Left Brain vs. Right Brain Theory. Research proves that a direct
correlation exists between the learning process and the different sides
of the brain. Clinical evidence shows that if a person injures the
left side of the brain they may suffer problems with language and speech.
On the other hand, if the right side of the brain is injured, they may
have problems with musical abilities, spatial orientation, and object recognition.
Many people have tried to identify the traits associated with each side
of the brain. These traits are listed in an article entitled "Born
To Explore" (1999). The author, Teresa Gallagher, included a statement
to tell the reader that the list is partly popular conjecture and partly
fact because the brain is such a mystery.
"Right Brain Traits:
Intuitive : Follows hunches,
or feelings, takes leaps of logic.
Nontemporal: having little
or no awareness of time.
Random: arranges events and
actions haphazardly.
Causal and Informal: deals
with information on basis
of need or interest at the time.
Concrete: relates to things
as they are commonly known
or understood. Explicit, precise.
Holistic: sees whole things
all at one, overall patterns.
Leading to divergent ideas.
Visual: uses imagery, responds
to pictures, colors, shapes.
Nonverbal: responds to tones,
music, body language, touch.
Visuo-spatial: uses intuition
to estimate, perceives shapes.
Responsive: listens to music.
Originative: interest in ideas
and theories imaginatively.
Emotional: suspicious judgment
until it feels or seems right.
Learning: through exploration
Left Brain Traits:
Methodical: organizes information,
classifies, categorizes,
structures.
Temporal: keeps track of time,
thinks in terms of past, present,
future.
Sequential: arranges events
and actions in consecutive succession.
Linear: thinks in terms of
sequence, one thought directly following
another. Leads to convergent conclusions.
Factual: deals with details,
items, the particulars, features of a
thing.
Verbal: used words to name,
describe, and define things.
Systematic and Formal: processes
information methodically, in a
well-planned way
Learning: through systematic
plans"
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
(1998), also agrees that the traits attributed to each hemisphere
of the brain are not clear cut. "Description of the left side of the brain
is the intellectual, scientific, logical, and linguistic hemisphere while
the right side is intuitive, artistic, and mysterious is oversimplification."
Although there is much evidence that these traits can be attributed to
the different sides of the brain, some traits need both the left and the
right brain at the same time in order to function properly. The brain
hemispheres need to communicate with each other to complete specific tasks.
A number of sites on the Internet will
allow a learner to take a test that will help them determine if they are
considered a left-brained or a right-brained person. It can be helpful
to know what side of the brain a person favors in order to help determine
the types of activities that can be most successful to the learner.
One such test can be found with an article written by Joshua Dow entitled
"Left
vs. Right: Your Brain Takes Sides." (2000). The author also states,
"Different parts of our brain perform different tasks, and how we've developed
these tasks can be a big part of who we are or how we think of ourselves."
I find this theory interesting because
of the research that deals with patients who have had injury to the brain.
Often, the traits attributed to specific areas of each hemisphere of the
brain are impaired after trauma. This begins to prove that certain
functions can be detected in each side of the brain. It is important
to note however, that the brain is a very complex entity. It is nearly
impossible to imagine that the brain's functions could be described so
simply. So, although each hemisphere of the brain is responsible
for certain tasks, it is impossible to say how much the two sides of the
brain must communicate together to accomplish the tasks. Although
no accurate, definitive list of traits for either side of the brain exists
at this time, there is some merit to this theory.
Although this learning theory is not the
main proponent of the design of the Web site, I have tried to include activities
that will incorporate a more whole-brained experience. I included
activities that will appeal to both sides of the brain. For the left
brain, I have tried to include activities that focus on accuracy,
analysis and logical thinking. For the right side of the brain, I
have tried to include activities that focus on creativity, individual perceptions,
and artistic expression.
Dow, Joshua. (2000) Left vs. Right:
Your Brain Takes Sides. [Online]. Available:
http://freezone.com/brain/rightleft/
[2000, February 8].
Gallagher, Teresa. (1999) Born to Explore:
The Other Side of ADD. [Online]. Available:
http://borntoexplore.org/addint.htm [2000, February 7].
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