Blog entry # 4 Jan 24, 2010

How People Learn (and What Technology might Have to Do with it)
By Marcy P. Driscoll
Summarized by Adeba Sultana

“…..technology integration in schools is not easy to achieve, no matter how much evidence we have that it can help learning.” (Driscoll 2002) The author of this article explains how learning occurs and what the role of technology might be in it. Therefore it is important to know how to use technology appropriately.
Driscoll explains about the four broad principles that offer a framework to teachers to think about how technology can support their instruction.
• Learning occurs in context.
• Learning is active.
• Learning is social.
• Learning is reflective.

Learning occurs in context: It is difficult to learn and comprehend without an appropriate context. “Technology can facilitate learning by providing real world contexts that engage learners in solving complex problems.” (Duffy & Cunningham 1996 through Driscoll 2002)
Learning is active as the Chinese proverb illustrates: Tell me I forget. Show me, I remember. Involve me, I understand.
In social learning the attention focuses on making connections between students and community.
Learning occurs best when students have an opportunity t reflect on their performance. This can be done by the teacher, students themselves and peer to peer.

Conclusion: Use of technology alone does not guarantee learning but it is the way that teachers and students use technology that determines if transformative learning happens.


Driscoll, Marcy P. (2002). How People learn (and what technology might have to do with it. Eric Digest,