I read this really interesting piece on learning theory for medical educators interested in the use of social media. The authors hint that it is really important
for educators to consider an understanding of learning theory when integrating
social media into the learning process. I agree wholeheartedly for many reasons.
First, after having given a recent grand
rounds (to two separate audiences) on the topic of learning theory in medical
education and how technology can help, I feel that it is very important to
reflect on these theories for a better understanding of why learners use (or
don't use) social media and other emerging technology. Communities of practice (CoPs) are a great
way to bring groups of people together around a common theme, and
virtual/electronic CoPs are catching on in medicine and medical education.
Second, it is important, as the authors mention, to
consider connectivism and constructivism as key theories behind why some learn
with social media (and may prefer to learn via such tools). Using constructivism, learners should be
reflective, and the teacher needs to adopt a facilitative approach (instead of
being an "expert").
For the educators out there who are integrating social
media into your learning methods, which theory or theories reflect why you use
social media or how your learners use social media?
