Module Six

The Philosophy of Learning

Students learn by doing. I believe that learning environment of centers, projects, and learning experiences encourages and promote active learning. The teacher is a facilitator of learning, not just a contributor of knowledge. Learning occurs from interacting with each other. People learn by observing differences in others. When they work together, they discuss different viewpoints and learn to explain their views and ideas. We use social interaction in learning centers, group discussions, cooperative groupings, and peer tutoring to foster social interaction. According to Driscoll(2005), he basically highlight the constructivist learning because of how important it is to activity have students engage in learning by means of problem-solving and critical-thinking competences. This also allow students the opportunity to relate their learning to everyday life experiences.

What do you believe is critical and non-negotiable in teaching and learning?

I believe it is critical and non-negotiable in teaching and learning because of the era that we are living in. This technology driven era is important that students understand how to apply the appropriate technology skills or strategies during the of use. Teaching is based on the belief that learning occurs as learners are actively involved in a process of meaning and knowledge construction rather than passively receiving information. Learners are the makers of meaning and knowledge. This perspective of learning presents an alternative view of what is regarded as knowledge, suggesting that there may be many ways of interpreting or understanding the world. No longer is the teacher is seen as an expert, who knows the answers to the questions she or he has constructed, while the students are asked to identify their teacher's constructions rather than to construct their own meanings.

Reference:

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

I responded to the following colleagues:

David Davis

http://8845ltedtech.blogspot.com/

Belinda Van Norman

http://belindavannormaneduc7105.blogspot.com/

Module Five

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?

During my brief experience which I tried to encourage my colleague to incorporate technology happened for the duration of my co-teaching experience. As an inclusion teacher, my experience with a regular education occurred during a lesson we planned to use technology. The regular education really didn't think incorporating technology was really that important. I tried to explain to the regular education that students would be more attentive and actively engaged in learning the lesson versus setting in their seats lesson to lectures. The regular education teacher really felt as though I was trying to question her knowledge and teaching strategies whether than working as a collaborative group to meet the needs of all students.  I believe that teachers have to ensure they learn and value the effective use of technologies because they can assist students with their learning and keep them actively involved.

After using the Keller's ARCS model, I believe that I could motivate my colleague to incorporate technology by providing information regarding this model.  I would ensure that each step in this model is applied appropriately by the following listed below:

Attention: It is very important that learners clearly understand this process because if you don't have this step how could you go to the step.. Keller suggests the use of sensory stimuli, thought-infuriating questions and unpredictability in the use of exercises and media.

Relevance: Attention is just a starter; then you make absolutely clear how the session is relevant to the learner’s real-life problems and interests. However interesting your content may be to you, it won’t engender much response from the learner if they can’t see how it relates to them. Attention and relevance work the same way in learning as they do in advertising make your communication stand out from all the other competing noises, then explain as clearly and simply as you can how your offering can help to solve a problem they are likely to have.

Confidence: Learners will only start to put energy into an activity if they feel there’s a good chance that this energy will bring reward. They need confidence in your method and in their own ability to take advantage of this. So, explain up-front what the process will be and how long it will take; and express your own confidence in the likelihood that they will succeed, ideally using evidence from previous interventions.

Satisfaction: Do what you can to make sure the learner achieves some reward if they successfully complete your intervention. This may, of course, be intrinsic, but if it isn’t don’t hold back on the praise.

References:

Keller, J. M. (1983). Motivational design of instruction. In C. M. Reigeluth (Ed.), Instructional-design theories and models: An overview of their current status. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Keller, J. M. (1984). The use of the ARCS model of motivation in teacher training. In K. Shaw & A. J. Trott (Eds.), Aspects of Educational Technology Volume XVII: staff Development and Career Updating. London: Kogan Page.

I have responded to the following colleagues blogs.

Cheryl Carroll

http://cacarroll57.blogspot.com

Michelle Baylor

http://msmichele8842.blogspot.com

Connectivism

The mind map I have created has really assisted withthe way my connections facilitate learning. I really believe professional development, collaboration, social network and professional learning network plays a significant role in the way you learn and prepare yourself. Through the innovation of technology over last past years it has really change the way I prepare myself for learning new information. Technology has enhance the way I can research, facilitate, teach and learn. The internet has reduce the hassle of isolation with the assistant of social networking. This tool has allowed me the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues, plan meetings, share ideas and communicate accordingly. The benefits of using social networks consist of accessing information from numerous areas and give you the ability to communication with the appropriate personnel no matter what part the country you resides in. You may be able to contact instructors and classmates in chat rooms, discussion boards or by video conferencing. Another major benefit is that social networks enable people to learn over distances and have access to subjects that you may not have the option of doing in your area. There are multiple digital tools that really assist me with learning. If I had to chose a particular tool I would say search engines because all you have to do if you are researching a particular topic, type it in and you will be directed to numerous websites that provides such much information. You have to be very careful regarding the information you are inquiring because of its creditability. When  the question is asked, How do I learn new knowledge when I have questions I try to ensure I focus on learning in more than one way. Instead of listing to someone lecturing, I try to identify ways I can relate it to a visual idea. I'm a visual learner. I understand and have a better idea of the task at hand when the problem is planned and drawn out. Normally, I will find that information ring my bell when it is explained with the aid of a chart or picture.

Responded to the following colleague blogs:

Fred Davis -http://journalismandeducationgrist.blogspot.com/2012/01/connectivism_25.html?showComment=1327757431675#c8852809885267013113

David Davis-http://8845ltedtech.blogspot.com/2012/01/module-connectivism.html?showComment=1327758728016#c9199238019921027874

Mod three: Working as a Collaborative Group

Building a collaborative environment in the workplace isn't always easy. With so many different personalities, styles and ideas all vying for prominence, there's bound to be a little conflict now and then. Yes, I believe that humans have a basic instinct to interact and work as a group. But with a little extra effort and a bit of old-fashioned diplomacy we can do our part to make a collaboration work. Some of those ways are staying positive. Few things temper enthusiasm more quickly than negativity. If you really want to make a collaboration work, you'll need to do your part to create a positive, supportive, nurturing environment where optimism and good will abound. Listening is another way.  Don't assume you know what the other person plans to say. Rather than interrupting, allow the person to finish speaking before you reply. Make sure you understand what the person is actually saying; and if you aren't sure, ask questions to clarify. I believe one of the most important ways of building a collaborative team is ensuring that you recognize the other person's value. Appreciate each person's potential contribution to the collaboration. By acknowledging each individual's unique talent and what it offers the team, you'll find it easier to work together toward a common goal.

Reference:

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

Beckman, M. "Collaborative Learning: Preparation for the Workplace and Democracy" College Teaching, 2007

I have posted to the following colleagues blogs:

Karen Wondergem

Temeka Shingles

Module Two: Cognitivism as a Learning Theory

After reading and reviewing the deliberations of Bill Kerr, Karl Kapp and Stephen Downs, they all have some interesting views of how learning theories plays a significant role how people learn. According to Bill Kerr's views there will be enormous promise and capability for all learners no matter what's their exceptionalities. Students learn in multiples ways. No one student learn the same, which leads to no one learning theory that will meet the needs of all learners. I believe that Bill Kerr's idea of how learning theories plays a vital role in structuring the ideas of theorists creating and expanding how we think and learn. After viewing Karl Kapp's statement he really stressed the importance of how collaboration plays a significant role in learning theories.

I agree that we can learn through cognitivism because it is a theory which attempts to answer how and why people learn by attributing the process to cognitive activity. Basically, the learner is viewed as an information processor . Cognitivism is recognized that much learning involves associations established through contiguity and repetition and  the importance of reinforcement, although it stress the role in providing feedback about the correctness of responses over its role as a motivator. However, even while accepting such behavioristic concepts, cognitive theorists view learning as involving the acquisition or reorganization of the cognitive structures through which humans process and store information.

References.

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

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

I have posted to comments to the following pages :

Belinda Van Norman
Debra Morris

Learning Theory and Educational Technology (Mod One)

The beliefs as for how people learn best. There are numerous beliefs and theories out there about individual learning styles. It is very important that you have some familiarity with that particular individual. Each person has a certain learning style that best meets their needs and how they learn. Learning styles have been studied by many educational and psychological experts for years. A lot of instructors are also trying to find out how their students learn best so they can adapt their lessons and make it better for kids in their classroom. According to Driscoll (2005), learners learn from what they do and practice what you learn in a variety of settings. Most important some people learn best at their own pace and the different kinds of learning require different training processes.

The purpose of educational technology allows ethical practice of facilitating learning and improving performance by creating, using and managing appropriate technological processes and resources. Educational technology will also allow individuals experience with multiple use of software, hardware, research or project on the internet, blogs, wiki’s and social networks. Technology of education is most simply and comfortably defined as an array of tools that might prove helpful in advancing student learning.

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

I have post a comment to the following blogs.

Alison Parker

Sandra Dykes

Moving Toward Dynamic Technologies

Static and dynamic concept mapping is a great way to exhibit and demonstrate the learning tools that can support distance learning in any particular environment. Static technology does not allow user interaction. Dynamic technology has features that respond automatically to user input or database edit (McGreal & Elliott, 2008).

The static concept basically identifies information in limited potential versus the dynamic concept. The dynamic process allows learners the opportunity to relate the learning process from a distance. It's important that educators benefit for the use of virtual simulations and simulations and ensure that all students are actively engaged in learning. One plus is that virtual worlds allows learners the opportunity to put skills and strategies in place and try new ideas in a secure atmosphere and learn from their mistakes without adverse consequences. I have continued to gain knowledge with several technologies throughout my distance education experience. Some of the technologies are webpages, podcast, wikis and discussion boards. Technology is continue to play a significant role in our daily lives. The most important is that educators and teachers have to continue looking at the rapid advances in computer and telecommunications capabilities have made possible the development of learning modules that include elements such as video transmission, e-mail, the Internet, and the World Wide Web.

References

McGreal, R., & Elliott, M. (2008). Technologies of online learning (e-learning). In T. Anderson (Ed.), The theory and practice of online learning (2nd ed., pp. 143-165). Edmonton, AB: Athabasca University Press

Moller, L. (2008). Static and dynamic technological tools. [Unpublished Paper].