Reading reflection | W2 Q1 | Discussion

Learning sciences provide a new lens to view learning in the context of cognition, computation, and environment. It emphasizes the importance of constructive and situated views of knowledge, collaboration and practice for the implications. In Sawyer’s (2006) article, deep learning happens when learners build on their prior knowledge and integrate it into the conceptual system (p.4). Situated knowledge highlights the contextual features of learning (p.5). Technology can help to present the dynamic and interactive aspects of knowledge in a learning environment; thus, students may be able to understand its complexity and lessen the static view of a concept. Additionally, the use of machines and computers helps us to investigate implicit learning creating another perspective to understand learning (Bransford et al, 2005). Collaboration can facilitate the thinking and learning process, especially with specific practices and activities.

However, those key aspects will also be the central concerns of the field. The constructive feature will be more useful if teachers provide the proper amount of support to students. But a classroom with diverse student backgrounds, it may be hard to know, track and assess each student’s level of understanding and apply effective scaffolding for each of them. Another concern will be the social interaction and cultural aspect in collaboration. In the community, students may be likely to rely on others' opinions or become compromised and feel constraints to express their real thoughts. Additionally, will there be a concern that collaboration deemphasizes the value of individual thinking?