Module 4: Connectivism

How has your network changed the way you learn?

During my undergraduate studies, I can recall going to the library and checking out informational books and looking up information in encyclopedias and on microfilm. Fortunately, with today’s technological innovations I can easily learn new information by simply connecting to the internet. This newly gained knowledge is then stored and later retrieved when that information is recalled upon.

Which digital tools best facilitate learning for you?

The digital tools that best facilitate learning for me are blogs and wikis. I find that blogs and wikis are very useful communication tools that are not only used for critiquing someone’s work, but they are also avenues for sharing information digitally through different kinds of media. My followers can also provide immediate feedback that can be very useful in directing and/or redirecting my thought process. Furthermore, blogs and wikis can store information for future use, and they create a sense of community in the traditional and virtual classrooms.

How do you learn new knowledge when you have questions?

I generally research and gain new knowledge by using the World Wide Web and its abundance of resources. I start my research process with the Google search engine, and at the click of a mouse a wealth of resources instantly appears on the screen. I take my time reading and comparing the information that is retrieved and decide on its creditability and authenticity.

Module 3 Responses

Daniel http://daoprish.blogspot.com/2012/07/module-3-constructivism.html?showComment=1342061497319#c4731900945863815140

Laura http://wojoedtech.blogspot.com/2012/07/module-3-our-connected-world_10.html#comment-form

Module 3: Natural Instinct to Collaborate

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?

Speaking from my personal experiences, I believe that humans have the basic instinct to “interact and work as a group” as stated in Rheingold’s video. I find that when I am in a group it is less of a challenge to accomplish a goal when I can collaborate with my peers. I also find that when my students are in a challenging situation that it is natural for them to look around and find a peer who does not feel that the assigned task is a challenge. Often times, the students begin to collaborate in order for them to successfully accomplish the assigned task. The Metiri Group conducted a study on the impact of collaborative learning the results revealed substantial gains in academic achievement. For more information about this study you can visit http://www.cisco.com/web/about/citizenship/socio-economic/docs/Metiri_Classroom_Collaboration_Research.pdf

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

According to the Driscoll (2005), a constructivist acquires knowledge as they “attempt to make sense of their experiences” (p. 387). So we as teachers need to provide students with learning experiences that will allow them to build on their prior knowledge and connect it to their newly acquired knowledge. In this setting, students need to be actively engaged in collaboration and working in cooperative groups. The role of the teacher is to provide “an environment for spontaneous research, understanding the social and collaborative nature of learning, helping children construct knowledge and initiate problem-based, project-oriented work” (Nanjappa & Grant). As a result, technology is used as a tool to engage learners in meaningful task that will assist them in acquiring, interpreting, and organizing knowledge.

References

CISCO (2009). The impact of collaborative, scaffolded learning in k-12schools: A meta-analysis Retrieved  http://www.cisco.com/web/about/citizenship/socio-economic/docs/Metiri_Classroom_Collaboration_Research.pdf

Nanjappa, A. & Grant, M. (n.d.). Constructing on constructivism: the role of technology. Retrieved http://ejite.isu.edu/Volume2No1/nanjappa.htm

Rheingold, H. (2009) Way-new collaboration retrieved fromhttp://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/howard_rheingold_on_collaboration.html

Module 2: Cognitivism as a Learning Theory

According to Karl Kapp, “The issue many forget is that “learning” is not one thing…it is a multi-layered word that tends to get treated as if it were just one thing…and it’s not. It is multi-facetted and that is why developing new models for “learning” is so difficult.” With that being said, I believe that all of the “_isms” that Bill Kerr addresses in his blog need to be implemented into instruction in order to address the diverse learning styles that are entering into classrooms. By incorporating the different learning theories maybe we can start closing the gap and reaching the lower achievers. Kapp also states that “we need to take the best from each philosophy and use it wisely to create solid educational experiences for our learners.” Todays' learners are of the digital age so we as educators must create an environment with innovations that are going to actively engage all learners. When students are “having fun” they are excited about learning which create memorable learning experiences.

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

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

Module 1 Posting Responses

Schquetta Hawkins
http://learningtheoryeducationaltechnology05.blogspot.com/

Laura Wojciechowciz
http://wojoedtech.blogspot.com/

Module 1 Assignment

Critique Siemens’s “metaphors of educators.”

Siemens’s (2008) four roles of a teacher are the master artist, network administrator, concierge, and curator. The role of the master artist is to create a digital environment where the learners are free to explore and create their own learning experiences. In this setting, the instructor “observes the activities of all students and draws attention to innovative approaches” (Siemens, 2008, p.15).  Students can also collaborate and expand on their learning from their peers and the instructor. As for the educator who is a network administrator, their main role is to show students how to network and collaboratively work together in groups. Once in these groups, students work together to formulate ideas that will assist them in reaching one common goal or outcome for a common objective. The educator who serves as a concierge has the necessary tools in their toolboxes that are readily available for students to use as resources. These resources can be delivered through lectures or web links that will assist students with exploring learning and gaining the necessary knowledge that will continue to support their academic endeavors. The educator who serves as a curator takes on “dual roles: as experts with advanced knowledge of a domain and guides who foster and encourage learner exploration. Educators create learning resources that expose learners to the critical ideas, concepts, and papers within a field” (Siemens, 2008, p. 17).  

Which of these metaphors best describes the role you believe an instructor should take in a digital classroom or workplace?

In order for the instructor to be effective in the digital classroom they will need to take on all four roles that Siemens addresses. The instructor must first create a digital learning environment that is conducive to on-line exploration for all learners. They must also have the necessary skills to set-up networks that will provide students the opportunities to work in collaborative groups in order for them to be successful and reach a common goal. The instructor must also guide student’s thinking. In order to do this, they must impose higher order thinking strategies that will enhance student’s thinking. This can be accomplished through oral and written discussions.

Is there a better metaphor to reflect your view of the role of instructors?

            After reflecting on Siemens’s metaphors about the roles of an educator, I have concluded that all four roles need to be incorporated into the digital classroom. With students entering into the classroom with a wealth of knowledge about technology these roles will help the instructor stay abreast with the continuous changes in the digital arena. This way the instructor and the students will be successful in the classroom.

Please view http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hXmmL2eq6k&feature=related for more information on what the digital classroom looks like in another part of the country.

References

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

YouTube. (2011, December 21). What is digital classroom and how it works. Retrieved from

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hXmmL2eq6k&feature=related