Melisa Hippolyte
Reflection on the Emerging Theories that support Technology and Technology Integration
Situated cognition is a theory that posits that knowing is inseparable from doing by arguing that all knowledge is situated in activity bound to social, cultural and physical contexts (Greeno & Moore, 1993). Situated cognition theory encourages educators to immerse learners in an environment that approximate as closely as is possible the context in which their new ideas and behaviors will be applied (Schell & Black, 1997). To put it simply, for cognition to occur action must take place. This action often involves interaction between tools and or artifacts that are situated in the community (Myers & Wilson, 2000). Therefore, technology tools and technology integration in this learning theory are the pieces of the learning environment that help to bring about cognition. Myers and Wilson (2000) state, “These tools and constructed environments constitute the mediums, forms, or worlds through which cognition takes place.
Distributed cognition Early work in distributed cognition was motivated by the basic insight that cognition is a socially distributed phenomenon, one that is essentially situated in real practices (Hutchins 1995). Most recently, the theory of distributed cognition has been proposed as a "new foundation" for human-computer interaction (Hollan, et. al. 2000).
The role of technology within this theory is an invaluable part of the system in which the learners are interacting. This interaction can either help to distribute their knowledge, off-load certain amounts of cognitive work making the cognitive load less and or help to scaffold new capabilities (Bell & Winn, 2000). In this theory technology (artifacts and or tools) can be used to help extend human capabilities. An example of this might be the use of technology in the early development of any array of skills.
Both of the above-mentioned theories can help to nurture 21st century skills in students using technology (physical technologies, tools) and technology integration.
Records Management Theory
Records management is an established theory and methodology for ensuring
the systematic management of all records and the information they contain throughout their lifecycle. Attorney General’s Office Records Management Policy (June 2013)
According to International Standard ISO 15489: 2001, records management is defined as; the field of management responsible for the efficient and systematic control of the creation, receipt, maintenance, use and disposition of records, including the processes for capturing and maintaining evidence of and information about business activities and transactions in the form of records.
