Chapter 5 BLOG 3

Chapter 5, in the textbook “How People Learn” helps us understand the evolution of the learning process. Most importantly, how the learning process changes depending on age and other influences. There are several factors that influence learning (besides age) like brain development, cognitive abilities and also external influences such as cultural and socioeconomic status. These contributing factors affect memory, how a person learns and overall intellectual growth, but educators can help students thrive in a learning environment by integrating technology, creativity and scientifically backed strategies. 

In the text referenced above, “How People Learn,” some learning strategies referenced are retrieval practice, which is when a student is re-calling information. This strategy strengthens memory and improves future retrieval. Studies show it enhances learning across different age groups and subjects. Next, is Spaced Practice, teachers distribute learning sessions over a particular subject over time and improve students' retention. This is more effective than cramming and helps prevent forgetting the information. Lastly, is Interleaved and Variable Practice; the mixing of different types of learning activities, which improves fluidity, and can encourage critical thinking. Essentially, integrating these techniques, allow teachers to not only set professional goals, and stay current on research but contribute to the overall learning experience of students with the help of making education equitable.  The learning strategies can also more easily be implemented with the use of technology.

Specific resources, like “A Whole New Class of Art”, and “Fostering Student Creativity” both a part of the EdTech digest, aims to highlight various digital tools and platforms designed to enhance student creativity and learning.  For example, according to the EdTech reference pages Adobe Spark allows users to create engaging visual stories, videos, and web pages with ease, enabling both teachers and students to produce high-quality multimedia content. Buncee is a web-based platform that facilitates creative learning through storytelling, collaboration, and digital publishing, promoting communication skills across all grade levels or Imagine Forest is an online platform that motivates children to write for pleasure by providing writing prompts, challenges, and a supportive creative community. These tools collectively support modern education by blending technology with artistic expression, making learning more engaging.

These resources help educators stick to ISTE by fostering digital literacy (2.3) and encouraging students to engage critically with educational technology and information. Retrieval and interleaved practice require students to apply knowledge actively rather than passively consume content, promoting ethical research and responsible data management. This meets another ISTE standards, which creates a more positive experience for students—promoting curiosity and reflection.

Citation

Gura, Mark. Fostering Student Creativity. EdTech Digest: The State of the Arts, Creativity, and Technology 2020 – A Guide for Educators and Parents, 2020, p. 7.

Rivero, Victor. A Whole New Class of Art. EdTech Digest: The State of the Arts, Creativity and Technology 2020 – A Guide for Educators and Parents, 2020, pp. 12–20.

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
How People Learn II: Learners, Contexts, and Cultures. The National Academies Press, 2018. https://doi.org/10.17226/24783.

4. International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE).
ISTE Standards for Educators. ISTE, 2017, www.iste.org/standards/for-educators.