Examples of Theory/Paradigms in Technology -- Example 1

Program/Example: UF Forensic Science Distance Education Programs

Description:

The Forensic Science Programs offer online Master of Science degrees in Forensic Science, Forensic Toxicology, DNA & Serology, and Forensic Drug Chemistry. The programs also offer Certificates in the aforementioned areas. The program is aimed at professionals working in labs and many of the students have laboratory experience. The programs are administered through UF's DCE (Distance, Continuing & Executive Education) office. The college of Pharmacy is the college of record for all programs (except Forensic Toxicology, which is in the College of Vet. Medicine).This semester the programs switched WebCT Vista.

The programs are broken into modules that include readings (course/lecture material, textbooks, and journal articles) discussion topics, and quizzes. If you want more information you can register for a free preview of one of three programs (DNA & Serology, Drug Chemistry, or Forensic Toxicology).

From the preview (I previewed the DNA & Serology module), much of the material is learned by the examination of a case or scenario. One of the scenario's for the DNA & Serology preview module is the examination of evidence in an alleged sexual assault situation. The preview tutorial ends with lab analysis documents, sample analyses of those documents, and questions for discussion/consideration.

Link: http://www.forensicscience.ufl.edu/Default.asp

Paradigm/Theory:
The materials in this online program use a combination of paradigms and learning theories. The case-based scenarios seem to be based the situated learning theory because students are learning about DNA & Serology from in an "in context", meaningful situation.

The lecture/reading based portions of the modules are based in either behavioral learning theory or cognitive Information Processing Theory. Because the modules make use of prior knowledge and seem to encompass all three memory systems, I think the material in question leads more toward information processing than strict behaviorism.

Now that I've shared my assessment of which paradigm/theory the Forensic Science Program exemplifies, what's your opinion? Did I "get it right"? Are there other ways of looking at this that I missed? Please let me know how you feel about my assessment...

Tomorrow night I'll be discussing a few more examples and hopefully find some that demonstrate the other theories.