Learning in a Digital World

I am an advocate for using technology in the classroom because it significantly impacts students' learning. I have always relied on technology for conducting research, but when it came to the idea of enrolling in an online specialist program, I was a little uneasy about not sitting in a traditional classroom and having that face-to-face interaction with my professor. However, I must say that this has been an extraordinary experience.  I have learned about many useful online tools that I can use personally and in my work environment. These tools are very engaging for my student and allows for continuous growth in regards to technological advancement.  This online learning experience has allowed me to communicate with my peers and instructor through the use of technological innovations, and placed tools in my toolbox that I enjoy sharing with my coworkers and students.

My philosophy of learning is that all students can learn once the delivery of instruction has been modified to meet the overall need of the student. As an educator, my role is to facilitate learning through guided instruction which is very critical for all learners to learn.  The cognitivist and constructivist theories are phenomenal theories to incorporate into any teaching curriculum. Having the option to choose how and what ways my students learn is extremely beneficial for those students who need that direct instruction. With the integration of both learning theories all learners can learn.

Module 5: New Technologies

Briefly describe a situation in which you have encouraged people to use a new technology and have been met with resistance or disappointing results. What attitudes did these people exhibit? What behaviors did they demonstrate?

Recently our school was retrofitted with some of the latest innovations in technology.  One of my teammates, who also happen to be a very close friend of mine, was very reluctant about the idea of implementing and using technology as part of her instruction. Diana was so complacent with using the overhead projector that it was just about impossible to get her to use an interactive smart board. Diana’s attitude was extremely negative in regards to using the smart board.  To counter act Diana’s resistant behavior I would sign the two of us up for the same trainings, share ideas and make lesson plans for implementing the smart board. Diana knew that our administrators wanted to see more technology being implemented into our teaching curriculum. So she finally stopped resisting, and began embracing the idea of using the smart board and digital camera. After much needed assistance, Diana was implementing at least one of these innovations into her daily curriculum.

Using Keller’s ARCS model, describe how you could change the motivation of these people, or learners, to encourage success.

Keller’s ARCS model is a motivational tool that is implemented to motivate others to learn.  For this strategy to be effective teachers/instructors must concentrate on attention, relevance, confidence and satisfaction (Driscoll, 2005). Speaking from personal experience I would build up the reluctant user’s confidence. I would do this by providing additional trainings and assigning support partners to the reluctant users. I have found that when there is a little intimidation about trying something new success is guaranteed once support has been established.

References

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