Understanding learning : Applications to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and to Environmental Governance & Learning Pathways and the Design of Integrated Tools

J. Ewing (1) , Jean-Marc Douguet (2)

1 Dundee University
2 C3ED - Centre d'économie et d'éthique pour l'environnement et le développement

In addressing the application of learning in the specific contexts of ICT and Environmental Governance it is necessary initially to take a broader view. To achieve this we will look at learning from three viewpoints. These are:

• How learning takes place from a phenomenological view
• How some of the theoretical positions have attempted to explain the evidence and beliefs we have about learning
• How the principles of learning are translated into strategies for instruction in an ICT context

Starting from this broad view of learning and general understanding of the processes and explanations of learning, the special circumstances relating to distance learning (through ICT) can be examined. Although our present understanding of learning tends to suggest that there may still be much in common accross in different environments, there is nonetheless a widely held view that learning through traditional media is not the same as learning through electronic media, particularly if these involve learning online (Ewing, 2000). However, we must start somewhere and it seems reasonable that a basic grasp of what is known about the underlying concepts and beliefs of learning should provide an appropriate platform for exploring our understanding of the electronic learning environment. Part I Understanding Learning will attempt to establish a basic framework which will permit an examination of the principles of learning where appear to be relevant to understanding learning and its practical application to ICT. The part finishes with the application of the basic framework to some newly created learning material in the context of environmental governance, the Virtualis material (O'Connor, 2004). The learning pathway, as one example of the application of learning theory in practice, is described in Part II and an example of its application is given. The practical context of the application is an ICT based learning package of integrated learning tools (ViViANE) and examples of the three stages of a learning pathway are identified. Implications for a more general use of learning pathways as well as for the extension of existing packages are suggested.

Domaines: Environnement et Société

J. Ewing, Jean-Marc Douguet. Understanding learning : Applications to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and to Environmental Governance & Learning Pathways and the Design of Integrated Tools. 2007. ⟨hal-00305456⟩