Module 6 - Learning in a Digital World

Technology is such a huge part of our world as well as our classroom today.  Therefore, as a teacher, I am also a leader in educational technology.  Through this I am able to share ideas of new technologies to others as well as tell them how those technologies can be beneficial.  Technology in the classroom can help keep my students interested in learning as well as motivate them to want to learn.  

It is my belief that technology has made so much more information accessible to our students.  Therefore more knowledge is gained from a multitude of sources.  I feel that the technology in my classroom has helped me connect with my students which have been raised in a truly digital world.  Technology is such a huge part of their lives it is only fitting that it be integrated in their education. 

Responded to Debra Morris and Sandra Dykes for Module 6.

New Technologies - Module 5

As of two years ago every classroom at my school was equipped with either a MIMIO or Promethean board.  I myself use my Promethean board everyday, several times a day.   However, there are some teachers who never use theirs.  Our school purchased these with the expectation that they would be used and not become wasted technology.  I try to encourage teachers in my grade level to use their board and even offer ways that I use mine to give them ideas.  However, one teacher just doesn’t seem to be convinced of the benefits.  While having a conversation with this teacher I told her that our principle had informed me that he really believed that the EIP students would greatly benefit from a teacher who uses technology has part of his or her teaching method.  She said to me, “Well I guess I don’t have to worry about getting the EIP students.”  Her attitude was that of someone who not only didn’t know how o use it but really did not have the desire to learn.   

-According to Keller’s ARCS model (Driscoll, 2005) teachers need to create of sense of curiosity for the other teachers who would be attempting to use the new technology (Attention).

-Likewise we needed to relate the technology’s purposes to individual goals of the teachers (Relevance) (Driscoll, 2005). 

-Generate specific pieces of proof that would be useful to show success of learning specific content areas (Confidence) (Driscoll, 2005).

-Lastly, teachers could share successful presentations, slideshows, or websites with one another to reduce the workload (Satisfaction) (Driscoll, 2005).

Driscoll, M. P. (2005). Psychology of learning for instruction (3rd ed.). Boston: Pearson
Education, Inc.

Responded to Sandra Dykes and Debra Morris for Module 5.

Connectivism Mindmap - Module 4



With access to networks the way I learn has took a change.  Now I have almost instantaneous access to information I am seeking.  I check my emails, Facebook, blogs, and wikis daily to stay connected to friends, family, coworkers, and peers.  Doing all these things not only keep me in touch but also keep me up-to-date.  

Walden discussions best facilitate learning for me.  Through the discussions I can post what I have learned and peers can expound on it or ask me questions about the information I have presented.  Through the back and fourth discussion, we provoke conversations.  Through these conversations, the two people involved are not the only two that gain knowledge.  Others in the class my read the posts and acquire knowledge also.  

By asking a question you are giving someone the chance to answer.  We may ask questions face-to-face, through emails, through Facebook, or posting on a discussion, wiki, or blog.  We count on the person or people whom we asked to give an answer to the best of their knowledge.  It is up to use to whether we except that answer or seek a different one.

Responded to Keith Phillips and David Davis for Module 4.

Collaboration - Module 3

Do you believe that humans have a basic instinct to “interact and work as a group,” as Rheingold proposed in his discussion of the evolution of Wikipedia as a collectively developed encyclopedia?

I do believe that we as humans have the basic instinct to work together as a group.  This instinct is embedded in us just like it is embedded in animals which work in groups.  Dolphins swim in a circle around a school of fish trapping them while they take turns entering the circle for a meal.  Besides instinct, the basic idea of “two head are better than one” is instilled in us from a young age.  Collaborating and sharing of ideas is a positive exercise in which members of the group can learn from each other.

How can technology facilitate collaboration among learners based on constructivist principles?   

Technologies such as wikis, blogs, Skype, Google Documents, and course discussion boards are great ways to establish collaboration based on constructivist principles.  Through the use of all these technologies peers can collaborate with one another on a course assignment and share ideas.  Every learner has had their own learning and life experiences which they can bring to the table for everyone else to learn from.  

Find a current research study that has been conducted in the last 5 years that supports collaboration as an effective tool for learning. Include the link and reference for this study in your blog.

Using Online Tools for Communication and Collaboration: Understanding Educators' Experiences in an Online Course

I found this article on ERIC through the Walden Library. It explores the learning experiences educators have through collaboration on online courses.  This article made me think of what we are all experiencing at this time.

http://www.eric.ed.gov/contentdelivery/servlet/ERICServlet?accno=ED527148 

Responded to Temeka Shingles and Martha Bless for module 3.

Cognitivism as a Learning Theory - Module 2

After reading the discussions of Bill Kerr, Stephen Downs, and Karl Kapp, I would have to say that I agree with Kerr’s “isms".  I see the potential for all the diverse learning theories in education.  I don’t think that how we learn can be specifically explained by one theory alone.  If one learning theory could explain how we learn, I don’t believe that there would be so many beliefs and arguments available.

I do agree that we learn through cognitivism in the respect of problem solving and creativity.  However, I defiantly see some aspects of behaviorism in the respect to stimulus and response.  We have to keep an open mind when it comes to these learning theories.  It is my opinion that the way we learn will never be explained by one theory alone.  Even with a class of ten students, it is hard to find three students who learn in the same way.  As stated by Kerr (2007) in reference to –isms, “They evolve, they listen to criticism and move on.”

Kerr, B. (2007, January 1). _isms as filter, not blinker [Web log post]. Retrieved from http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2007/01/isms-as-filter-not-blinker.html

Kapp, K. (2007, January 2). Out and about: Discussion on educational schools of thought [Web log post]. Retrieved from http://www.kaplaneduneering.com/kappnotes/index.php/2007/01/out-and-about-discussion-on-educational/

Responded to Waymyers and Karen Wondergem for module 2.

Learning Theory and Educational Technology - Module 1

Everyone learns in their own special way.  Some learn better in groups, some alone.  Some people learn better when someone else explains a concept while others learn when the activity is hands on.  In a world consumed by technology, people learn when they are using a digital device.  Whether that device is a Smart phone, a computer, a Kindle, and iPad, or interactive white board learning can take place.  The purpose of learning theory in educational technology is to determine which of these technologies would best promote learning.  Surely the form of technology used would depend on the content and the desired outcome.  There is an abundance of learning theories in the realm of education.  However, the cognitive theory best fits in this technology based world.  When trying to find a theory where the symbolism of the brain works resembles how a computer works, the cognitive theory is it. 

          The students of our classrooms today a very tech savvy.  Unlike me who really started working with computer in middle school, my students have been working with them since Prekindergarten.  Our students are on Facebook, have cell phones, use iPods and iPads, and know a computer better than some teachers.  It only makes since that with such tech driven students their education follow suit with the rest of their life.  In my classroom, I use computers and my interactive white board to teach, play games, practice skills, and practice our standards.  So I believe that for today’s students technology is very essential in the learning process.  BV

Responded to Sandra Dykes and Debra Morris for Module 1.