In the field of education, the arrival of digital books has brought about a revolution, significantly changing how students interact with educational resources. As we explore the significant impact of digital books on education, I draw on insights from “Social Psychology for Educators,” a seminal text from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
One key principle from “Social Psychology for Educators” that is relevant to the integration of digital books is observant learning. Proposed by famous psychologist Albert Bandura, observational learning theory posits that individuals learn not only through direct experience but also by observing others. Unlike their passive print substitutes, digital books frequently include multimedia components like films, interactive quizzes, and animations. These interactive components allow them to see peers as they interact with learning materials, share insights, and exchange ideas. Digital books enhance the educational experience by allowing for peer-to-peer contact and information sharing through observational learning.
Furthermore, the concept of self-efficacy, another important principle of social psychology, has meaning in the world of digital books. Self-efficacy is an individual’s belief in their capacity to complete given activities or conditions. Digital books empower students by giving them more control over their learning experiences. For example, students can customize their learning environment with features such as adjustable text sizes, multimedia elements, and interactive exercises to meet their own requirements and preferences. This sense of power and independence promotes self-efficacy, allowing students to take control of their learning experience and gain confidence in their abilities.
Thus, the incorporation of digital books is considered a transformative force in education, utilizing psychological concepts to improve teaching and learning outcomes. Digital books are transforming education by combining the power of observational learning and self-efficacy, helping students succeed in an increasingly digital environment.
Reference
Applied Social Psychology: Understanding and Addressing Social and Practical Problems, edited by Jamie A. Gruman, et al., SAGE Publications, Incorporated, 2016. ProQuest Ebook Central, http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/pensu/detail.action?docID=5945490
Bandura, A. (1986). Social Foundations of Thought and Action: A Social Cognitive Theory. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Harvard Graduate School of Education. (2010). Social Psychology for Educators.