New Technologies

I responded to http://finleylearningtheory.blogspot.com
and http://sharon-mcdaniel.blogspot.com for Blog 5 assignment

New Technologies

Over the last two years, my school has been moving toward the 21st century classroom movement by installing Interwrite Boards, DVD/VCR combos in each classroom and new software, including Easiteach and several other types of software to utilize as resources in the classroom. I am also eager to incorporate new technologies in my classroom, but many teachers have low self-efficacy in experimenting with new technologies, which causes them to resist implementing new technologies in the classroom. Therefore, I am constantly faced with encouraging teachers in my school to experiment and explore new technologies in their classroom.

When the staff was first introduced to the Easiteach software during training several teachers where discouraged and resistant due to the small amount of training they received on how to implement the software in their classroom, which their students and their limited use of technologies in their classroom and daily lives. Many teachers complained about not having enough time to implement these technologies in their classroom and several others were nervous about how to utilize this new software with their age group of students.

I believe that using Keller’s ARCS model will encourage and change the motivation of the teachers and learners.

A- attention- To grab the attention of the teachers I would provide the teachers with activities or instruction that focuses on their specific grade level and standards. I would also provide the teachers with information that shows how technologies enable the teachers to reach a diverse group of students.
R- relevance- To support relevance I also try to share with teachers how new technologies if implemented effectively can enhance student learning and achievement in the classroom in all academic areas.
C- confidence- With the Easiteach software I have went into several classrooms to share ways to implement the software in their lessons and help teachers understand how to use the software in the classroom step by step for support, so they can increase their self-efficacy concerning utilizing new technologies.
S- satisfaction- The way I promote satisfaction when encouraging the use of new technologies is by encouraging teachers to utilize these new technologies daily, so that become comfortable using and experimenting with new technologies.


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

Module 4:Connectivism

Connectivism

The ability to connect to people, data and an array of informational sources all help facilitate learning through collaboration, sharing of ideas, dialogues and gaining insight from the experiences of others and your own. My network has changed the way that I learned because I no longer work independently I utilize all of my network connections as resources to share content, ideas and best teaching practices and strategies. In my workplace, the math and literacy coaches are great resources when focusing on content, strategies and research based materials.

Technology is a resource that allows us to connect with others, data and several resources. Several digital tools allow people to connect and gain access to information, ideas and different viewpoints. However, the digital tools that best facilitate learning for me are wikis and blogs. Throughout this program I have been able to experience and expand my knowledge and use of both wikis and blogs. Engaging and utilizing wikis and blogs have allowed me to create and gain knowledge through my networks.

When gaining new knowledge and I have questions I tend to first search for information using the internet, discussions with the teachers on my grade level and both the math and literacy coaches. Connectivism has shown me that learning happens in many ways, such as emails, blogs, discussions, Skype and Google. With the increase of information and a focus on digital tools and resources different skills and approaches are needed.


Resource:
http://www.connectivism.ca/about.html

Blog4 ResponsesI responded to http://digitalworldlearning.blogspot.com/and http://sharon-mcdaniel.blogspot.com

Constructivism

Module 3 Blog
Responded to http://holly-shumaker.blogspot.com/
and http://lainepagan.blogspot.com/

Constructivism
Reflect on Rheingold’s video, and then respond to the following:
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? How can technology facilitate collaboration among learners based on constructivist principles?

I do believe that humans have a basic instinct to interact and work as a group. I believe that we as human have the desire and urge to communicate, share ideas and discuss various topics. You can see these desire and urge do interact in the personal lives of people and in their careers, such as various businesses and education. Many times this collaboration is to share ideas, accomplish an objective or even just to vent. In the past human focus was more on self-interest when considering business and education, but now throughout evolution the process of cooperation, collective action and communication have emerged and expanded due to new technologies and other worldly advances. In the world today, “self interest is not always the dominating factor” states Rheingold (Rheingold, 2008).

“New forms of cooperation created by new technologies create new forms of wealth” (Rheingold, 2008).

I believe that technology plays a major role in the expansion of collaboration among learners. Therefore, I think that technology facilitates collaboration based on constructivist principles by allowing learners to develop deep thinking and a knowledge base that encourages the learner to generate, learn, or create new knowledge. Technologies, such as blogs, wikis, Google docs and various others allow learners to collaborate no matter their location or the time and they can easily manage work while collaborating. Through these technologies, the learner can collaborate with peers around the world and even experts that can enable the student to have authentic learning experiences. Overall, technology can allow the learner opportunities to actively engage with the content and make real life meaningful connections.


Rheingold, Howard. (2008). Way-New collaboration. Retrieved April 5, 2010 at http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/howard_rheingold_on_collaboration.html

Cognitivism as a Learning Theory

Module 2

Responded to www.blogmitchellstevens.blogspot.com.

and http://sharon-mcdaniel.blogspot.com

Cognitivism as a Learning Theory

"It seems to me that each _ism is offering something useful without any of them being complete or stand alone in their own right" (Kerr, 2007).

When considering the various learning theories I agree with Bill Kerr when creating learning experiences implementation of characteristics from various learning theories is essential because each of these theories offer valuable insight and information concerning the learning process. Since learning theories address how people learn I agree with Kerr that no learning theory can stand alone and be complete. The learning process is complex and cannot be explained by one learning theory alone. Therefore, we must take the essential parts from each theory to create effective learning experiences. Kapp states it best when he says, "What we need to do is take the best from each philosophy and use it wisely to create solid educational experiences for our learners" (Kapp, 2007). As educators, when teaching it is important that we meet the needs of each individual student in our classroom, by planning lessons that incorporate a variety of learning theories so we can reach all types of learners.

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


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

Module 1

Learning Theory and Educational Technology
Responded to http://holly-shumaker.blogspot.com/
and
http://carollee387blogspot.com/

Topic: What are your beliefs about how people learn best? What is the purpose of learning theory in educational technology?

Throughout my experiences of teaching and working with both children and adults, I believe that people learn best through socialization and hands on type of experiences. The more opportunities students have to engage in meaningful discussions and reflect on their experiences they are able to gain a better understanding of content and concepts being taught. During this process, students are able to create their meaning by engaging in authentic learning experiences and they are playing an active role in the learning process. When I consider my belief about how people learn best, my beliefs relate best to the Constructivism leaning theory. The attributes of this learning theory relate best to Interpretivism/Constructivism, which Siemens states “is internal, and knowledge is constructed” (Siemens, 2008).

As Siemens states, “The ongoing growth of the internet for teaching and learning will likely continue to raise networks as a prominent means of representing knowledge and the learning process” (Siemens, 2008). With these changes in education regarding knowledge and the learning process due to technologies the theories of learning will need to change to incorporate these new technologies. Therefore, the purpose of learning theory in educational technology is to acknowledge the rapid changes of networks that is enabling access “to content, experts, and global connections with fellow learners” and consider the results, the means and the inputs of these resources regarding learning. In doing this, educators must rethink approaches to learning and teaching differently if they are to accept these changes regarding educational technology and prepare today’s learners for the future.

Reference

Siemens, G. (2008, January 27). Learning and knowing in networks: Changing roles for educators and designers. Paper presented to ITFORUM. Retrieved March 8, 2010 from http://it.coe.uga.edu/itforum/Paper105/Siemens.pdf

Helpful Links about Constructivism and Educational Technology are listed below:

http://www.learning-theories.com/

http://ed.fnal.gov/trc_new/sciencelines_online/summer96/activities.html

http://people.uis.edu/rschr1/et/blogger.html