Learning Theories and EdTech3 - Banduras

My "favorite" of theorie is Albert Banduras' "Social Learning Theory" (http://www.instructionaldesign.org/theories/social-learning.html).

I am a strong believer that I cannot ask my students to do anything I am not doing. For example: my students have usually the permission to use their phones in class. How can I not allow them the access, if I am on my phone all the time (to take attendance, look up words/definitions, play music, check my lesson plan ...)? We do have the understanding, if they get too distracted by their gadget, that they need to take a break from using it in class. This works very well. I am modeling the professional use of technology on a daily basis and I believe that my students understand more and more the difference between "play and work". Banduras theory is based on this: "Learning would be exceedingly laborious, not to mention hazardous, if people had to rely solely on the effects of their own actions to inform them what to do." - Modeling behavior improves the quest for one's own learning style, function as a good citizen and student, and it allows for making choices on the students' part. 

The theory states, that "Social learning theory explains human behavior in terms of continuous reciprocal interaction between cognitive, behavioral, an environmental influences." Our students do not only learn from reading or listening. We know now that we have to offer them choices, different ways of representation, action and expression as well as engagement (Universal Design of Learning) in their learning. But they do not only learn content. It is so much more that they gain in terms of skills, experiences, knowledge and behavior.