Module Four: Connectivism

My learning is more self-directed and collaborative. I learn more from people now than I ever had. As a student, I learn from collaborating with classmates online through the use of discussion boards and blogs. As a professional, I learn through the use of Google Docs, and Dropbox. We use Google Docs to share and make changes to student data for various purposes (Crockett, 2013). My students teach me the latest terminology that their generation uses and I also tend to learn new ways to use technology such as my iPhone, MacBook, etc.

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Google search best facilitates learning for me. When I have questions, in order for me to learn new knowledge, I frequently complete a Google search for information. A Google search results in YouTube videos, PowerPoint, Wiki pages, etc. I tend to select the pages that are sponsored first because those are the pages that are reliable.

Reference

Crockett, R. (2013). 50 Education tools every teacher should know about. Retrieved from http://fluency21.com/blog/2013/03/26/50-education-technology-tools-every-teacher-should-know-about/

TeachThought. (2012).100 Best digital learning tools for 2012. Retrieved from http://www.teachthought.com/technology/100-best-digital-learning-tools-for-2012/

EDUC 7105: Module Three Collaboration

I believe that humans have an instinct to interact with one another and work as a group. For example, humans hold discussions all the time rather that is in the classroom, water cooler at work, in a social setting, etc. The abilities of Wikipedia allows volunteers to contribute to history by authoring material that is available worldwide in hundreds of languages (Rheingold, 2005). Anyone can contribute to Wikipedia by editing the information that is available and/or creating personal wiki pages through open source production. Technology can facilitate collaboration among learners based on constructive principles by the amount of information that is available through technology through various sources, a good source for problem based learning,and technology allows the learner to come to their own conclusions.

http://books.google.com/books?id=1L9q4LUvmiAC&dq=collaboration+tools+in+education&lr=&source=gbs_navlinks_s

                                                          Reference

Rheingold, H. (2008, February). Howard Rheingold on collaboration [Video file]. Retrieved from  
http://www.ted.com/talks/howard_rheingold_on_collaboration.html.

Richardson, W. (2010). Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms.

http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=1L9q4LUvmiAC&oi=fnd&pg=PR1&dq=collaboration+tools+in+education&ots=Q3XfFkJUdr&sig=KYQXFR4Wnsy7lCC8PtarQmuG9Hc#v=onepage&q=collaboration%20tools%20in%20education&f=false

EDUC 7105: Module Two-Cognitivism as a Learning Theory

Karl Kapp discussed the theory of cognitivism in his blog posting. I agree with Karl Kapp (2007) in regards to his statement about cognitivism not explaining the entire process of how we process information. The theory of cognitivism provides a foundation for understanding and explaining how we process information. I do not believe that we will ever be able to fully explain how the brain processes information. Each human being is different as well as our thought processes and triggers. According to Kerr (2007), cognitivism has evolved and will continue to do so over time. I agree with this point because learners are exposed to more information than ever before and they are able to access information at a much faster pace. Due to the limitless information that technology offer learners, I believe that each learner processes the information they are exposed to differently. 

Reference

Kerr, B. (2007, January 1). _isms as filter, not blinker [Web log post]. Retrieved fromhttp://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2007/01/isms-as-filter-not-blinker.html

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

EDUC 7105:Learning Theory Module One

                                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 21^st Century Teaching. PBL? Am I Doing It Right? Retrieved from http://plpnetwork.com/2012/07/13/pbl-right/