Behaviourism, cognitivism, and constructivism are the three broad learning theories most often used in explaining learning situations and in the creation of instructional environments. A detailed presentation of these theoretical positions is given in section 1.3 of Unit 1. These theories, however, were developed in a time when learning was not impacted through technology. Over the last twenty years, technology has reorganised how we live, how we communicate, and how we learn. Learning needs and theories that describe learning principles and processes should be reflective of underlying social environments.

The article you read attempts to provides a detailed analysis of the traditional learning theories - Behaviourism, Cognitivism, and Constructivism and interprets how a new theoretical paradigm such as Connectivism can only explain the collective learning that takes place in a digital networked environment.

All of the three traditional learning theories hold the notion that knowledge is an objective (or a state) that is attainable (if not already innate) through either reasoning or experiences. These theories attempt to address how it is that a person learns.

1. Behaviourism states that learning is largely unknowable, that is, we cannot possibly understand what goes on inside a person (the "black box theory"). Gredler (2001) expresses behaviourism as being comprised of several theories that make three assumptions about learning:

a. Observable behaviour is more important than understanding internal activities.
b. Behaviour should be focused on simple elements: specific stimuli and responses.
c. Learning is about behaviour change.

2. Cognitivism often takes a computer information processing model. Learning is viewed as a process of inputs, managed in short term memory, and coded for long-term recall. Cindy Buell details this process: "In cognitive theories, knowledge is viewed as symbolic mental constructs in the learner's mind, and the learning process is the means by which these symbolic representations are committed to memory."

3. Constructivism suggests that learners create knowledge as they attempt to understand their experiences (Driscoll, 2000, 376). Behaviourism and Cognitivism view knowledge as external to the learner and the learning process as the act of internalizing knowledge. Constructivism on the other hand assumes that learners are not empty vessels to be filled with knowledge. Instead, learners are actively attempting to create meaning. Learners often select and pursue their own learning. Constructivist principles acknowledge that real-life learning is messy and complex. Classrooms which emulate the "fuzziness" of this learning will be more effective in preparing learners for life-long learning.

(Source: George Siemens (2004) Connectivism: A Learning Theory for the Digital Age.- CC License)

You would have now seen that behaviourism, cognitivism and constructivism are theories of learning which attempt to explain how an individual learns.

• Behaviourism and cognitivism view knowledge as external to the learner and the learning process as the act of internalizing knowledge.
• Constructivism assumes that learners are not empty vessels to be filled with knowledge.