EDUC 7105: Learning Theory Blog Post- Module
One
One
of the “metaphors of educators” that George Siemens (2008) mentioned in his
article was the educator as Master Artist. I believe his description is best
model for an instructor to take in a digital classroom. Siemens (2006)
described the Master Artist as an observer of student activities and as a
“guide, direct and influence the work of an individual.” As an educator, I
believe that it is important for students to make their own discoveries and
learn from them. The focus for the instructor should be sharing their expertise
with the students as a way to influence their learning and guide students
throughout their journey in learning. A good example of this would be problem-based
learning which instructors play the role of as facilitators of learning and
guiding. Students are able to work independently in small groups to identify
problems and create and implement a solution while the instructor observes and
assists as needed.
Reference
Siemens, G. (2008, January
27). Learning and knowing in networks: Changing roles for educators and
designers. Paper presented to ITFORUM. Retrieved from http://itforum.coe.uga.edu/Paper105/Siemens.pdf.
Skillen, P. (2012). Less Teacher, More
Student, Making the Shift, The How of 21st Century Teaching. PBL? Am I Doing It Right? Retrieved from
http://plpnetwork.com/2012/07/13/pbl-right/
Hello Janel,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post. I also believe in putting students into groups so that they can interact with each other and get the sense of teamwork. In a virtual classroom, how do you think you can group students accordingly so that all types of learning styles and personalities exist in each group. For example, I am vary careful of not placing all "Type A" personalities in one group. How can we, as educators, avoid this mistake in an online classroom wherein you only see what you can read? Thanks Janel.
Dorothy,
DeleteI group my students one of three following ways: student data, student interest, and randomized. I have found that grouping students according to data is more effective. However, as a student in an online classroom, I have personally learned more with groups that shared a common interest.
Janel'
Janel,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your comment that "it is important for students to make their own discoveries and learn from them". This comment reminds me of the old adage about a child touching a hot stove. Its one thing for a child to learn not to touch a hot stove from being told not to do so. Its another when the child learns why not by experiencing what occurs when they do touch the hot stove. Experience is the best teacher!
John
Interesting post Janel. The example of an instructor being a facilitator of learning and guidance is the role of him or her. The instructor is the leader in the learning environment.
ReplyDeleteProblem base learning is a n excellent for student engagement. The students learn by applying application knowledge on a project.
ReplyDelete~ Carolyn