Category: Drawing Things Together

Transmission Model, 2009

As we kick off the new semester, I am reminded that when talking about both learning theory, and the role of technology in learning, it is quite common to contrast new theories with the “straw man” teacher who believes in the transmission model of learning.  In other words, the idea that knowledge can just be presented to students who are like sponges and will just soak it all up…

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categories Drawing Things Together | Joshua January 13, 2010

  • http://jennamcwilliams.blogspot.com JennaMcWilliams

    I see that in this view, the teacher is presented as transmitter. How would a transmitter even begin to eat an apple, anyway?

  • http://jennamcwilliams.blogspot.com JennaMcWilliams

    I see that in this view, the teacher is presented as transmitter. How would a transmitter even begin to eat an apple, anyway?

  • http://www.joshuadanish.com Joshua

    Really makes you wonder what these kids might be learning with this method, doesn’t it?

  • http://www.joshuadanish.com Joshua

    Really makes you wonder what these kids might be learning with this method, doesn’t it?

  • http://jennamcwilliams.blogspot.com JennaMcWilliams

    Also, take a gander at all the information they’re missing because it wasn’t aimed directly at them.

  • http://jennamcwilliams.blogspot.com JennaMcWilliams

    Also, take a gander at all the information they’re missing because it wasn’t aimed directly at them.

  • Maggie

    Learning to beat the system, I think.

  • Maggie

    Learning to beat the system, I think.

  • Steve

    a sad use of technology – I would have killed for a wireless setup in my classroom…. however, the teacher as a node/router hoping that assimilation and accommodation is taking place via streaming information – teacher-led instruction at its best???? they are smiling as if they may have some sort of prior knowledge???? it could be a start. perhaps it’s the ISTEP question being embedded into their brains with hopes they will be able to regurgitate …. ooops Johnnys sponge went dry the morning of the test, go figure!!

  • Steve

    a sad use of technology – I would have killed for a wireless setup in my classroom…. however, the teacher as a node/router hoping that assimilation and accommodation is taking place via streaming information – teacher-led instruction at its best???? they are smiling as if they may have some sort of prior knowledge???? it could be a start. perhaps it’s the ISTEP question being embedded into their brains with hopes they will be able to regurgitate …. ooops Johnnys sponge went dry the morning of the test, go figure!!

  • http://www.joshuadanish.com Joshua

    Absolutely! Sadly, this kind of teaching approach and / or use of technology for teaching is all too common. I’m glad to see that everyone’s response so far has been… critical. I’d have been worried had anyone said “Hey, where I can I get that router!!”

  • http://www.joshuadanish.com Joshua

    Absolutely! Sadly, this kind of teaching approach and / or use of technology for teaching is all too common. I’m glad to see that everyone’s response so far has been… critical. I’d have been worried had anyone said “Hey, where I can I get that router!!”

  • Mbgough

    This reminds me of an image a colleague of mine shared with me. The URL to the image is below. It’s essentially depicting how schools would be in the year 2000. Interesting how close and how far off they were!

    http://appletechnician.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/at-the-school.jpg

  • http://twitter.com/JNWhiting Justin Whiting

    At least the sponges look happy. 

  • http://www.joshuadanish.com Joshua

    Always a good start, right? Maybe I should re-draw this one with the sponges taking some tests to tie it more to current debates?

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