Connectivism

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The network has changed the way that I learn is by seeing all of the different technologies just because you are use to one in particular and you are comfortable with it, there is another that can do a better job and you cannot be "afraid" to change. The tool that best facilitae learning for me is the discussion board. The feedback help open your eyes to something that you have not thought of. You learn new knowledge when you have questions by doing research and asking questions from those that are in that field.

Blogs:

http://teachweb2.blogspot.com/2008/11/cck08-connectivism-networked-studentthe.html

http://iucall.blogspot.com/2008/02/connectivism-coming-to-my-own.html

Collaboration

I do believe that humans have basic instinct “interact and work as a group.” It is done all the time in jobs, schools and homes. Things would not get done if people did not work together. The main problem will be who is going to be in charge and what makes them qualified to be a leader.

Technology facilitate collaboration among learners based on constructivist principles through the Internet because they make connections and meaning in the learning process. Knowledge of constructivist is promoted. Encouragement of self-critical analysis, self-directed learning and collaborative learning expand environments which knowledge is constructed. The collaboration process links individuals together that share common goals and interest facilitated through technology (Brown, 2005).

Reference:

Brown, E. (2005). How does technology facilitate constructivist learning? Retrieved March 29, 2010 from http://www.calpro-online.org/eric/docs/brown/brown01_05.pdf

Blogs:

http://contructivist-education.blogspot.com. Constructivist Foreign Language Learning class 04-06-07 TuncerCan.

http:///michaelhanley.ie/elearningcurve/?s=Constructivist+Pt.3%3A+The+principles+of+constructivism+
Constructivism Pt.3: The principles of constructivism, 12-28-07, Michael Hanley

Cognitivism as a Learning Theory

I must agree with Bill Kerr because there are a lot of isms. Even with all of the isms they have helped with curriculum and giving ideas for behavioral learning for students. Even though some do not agree with the other, Instructors must find the learning theory or theories to input in their classroom that best fits the need of their students. Kerr talked about how when a person is rewarded for their actions, those actions are repeated. That is true because when a parent tells a child if they bring home an A, you will get $20.00. That student begins to get A’s just to get $20.00, so there must be a stopping point.

To know what make sense and doesn’t depends on what the information is, who it concerns and what is best for the situation at the time. Students must first recognize, put a label and then memorizing will come easier. I must agree that learning is not and cannot be one thing; it is just too many things to learn (Kapp & Kerr, 2007). To develop new models for learning especially in technology is very difficult because technology is changing drastically and just because someone comes up with a new theory does not mean it may work in every environment.

Reading Caesar’s Blog he talks about how technology is available reflecting cognitivism and with software being evolved users are able to adapt to their own liking to improve their experience. One tool that he used was MS Word to summarize and Auto Summarize. Students can prepare summaries properly with connections right them. The cognitive theory of learning is represented in brainstorming and concept mapping software (Rubio, 2009). Students work better when they have the right technological tools stimulating their minds to help them learn.

References:

Kapp, K. (2007, January 2). Out and about: Discussion on educational schools of thought. Message posted to http://karlkapp.blogspot.com/2007/01/out-and-about-discussion-on-educational.html

Kerr, B. (2007, January 1). Isms as filters and blinkers. Message posted to http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2007/01/isms-as-filter-not-blinker.html

Topic explored:

Rubio, C. (2009, May 9). Cognitivism in practice. Message posted to http://rubiocesar.blogspot.com/2009/05/cognitivism-in-practice.html

Learning Theory and Educational Technology

Metaphors of Educators

The metaphor that best describes the role I believe an instructor should take in a digital classroom or workplace is the “Educator as Network Administrator”. The reason that I chose this metaphor is that teachers are like network administrators because they help the students for gain the skills that are needed to use the different technologies that’s available for learning, work in structures to balance the course and evaluate the effectiveness of what they have learned.

Educators assist the learners to for a connection and to create learned networks. They assist the learners to develop the competence that they need to meet objectives and the outcome of a particular course. New information is encountered by the learner and the educator will encourage critically evaluation for the learning network. The learner and educator addresses the gaps in the learning network and how that the key concepts is related and understood.

At this time I do not see a better metaphor to reflect my view of the role of instructor. With the vast growing of technology instructors as well as students have to be a network administrator. They must know as much about what is going on in technology as the administrator to better equip their learners in learning and succeeding.

References

Siemens, G. (2008, January 27). Learning and knowing in networks: Changing roles for educators and designers. Paper presented to ITFORUM. Retrieved March 11, 2010 from http://it.coe.uga.edu/itforum/Paper105/Siemens.pdf


Blogs

Lima, C. (2009, July). Metaphor and educational change. Retrieved March 11, 2010 from http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/blogs/chris/your-metaphor-classroom

Gardner, T. (2010, January). Metaphor Makeovers: The secret to test success. Retrieved March 11, 2010 from http://ncteinbox.blogspot.com/2010/01/metaphor-makeovers-secret-to-test.html

Motivating Adult Learners

Distance Education Video

http://teachertube.com/members/viewProfile.php?user=Adonis01

Moving Towward Dynamic Technologies

After reading and researching I am not quite sure where I may be. I consider maybe in the middle. My work environment is stationary and we do what needs to be done to keep things following and the students interested in learning. We communicate through email most of the time, telephone, training and meetings in person.

The blog that is posted below states how we need to go beyond the text because of having different audiences that needs to be reached. The message has to be given in a way that makes it interesting.

Moving towards the end of “static-dynamic continuum” will be to continue my studies here at Walden University so that I can learn the different technologies, how they operate and use them. Also, spend time reading up on new technology through PC World and other computer magazines. The local community college that I teach IT Department does an awesome job of transitioning to new technology.

Blog:
http://www.globalprblogweek.com/archives/dynamic_communicatio.php

Mind Map: Static Versus Dynamic Technologies