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.