Module 4: Networking: The URL for my Mind Map is: http://mywebspiration.com/view/497956a38345

Networking is becoming more and more popular due to the increased availability of technology. Technology has helped tremendously with collaboration, expanding knowledge, and communication with others. Long gone are the days of spending hours at the library researching a topic of study. Now with the use of technology, specifically the Internet researching a topic is at our fingertips. Communication and collaboration has changed due to technological advances. technology allows me to collaborate with peers, co-workers, and classmates using wikis, blogs, and Skype. I no longer have to be confined to face-to-face or phone conversations in order to collaborate with others.

I increase my knowledge of topics using blogs, wikis, discussion posts/responses, and podcasts. Technology and networking has increased my ability to learn and collaborate with others. I often use Skye to gain understanding on topics of study. I can Skype classmates or peers to ask questions, work collaboratively on an assignment, as well as have a video conference to share work and ideas.

Research is completed differently now because of the Internet. Now when I am researching I can begin with a google search or complete a database search. Both allow me to obtain information pertaining to a particular topic.

Networking assists me when studying, researching, communicating, and collaborating with others. I feel that these networks will grow and change as technology continues to advance. I am grateful that I am no longer on my own. I can always received assistance without leaving my home or workplace. Technology has definitely changed the way that I learn and work. I look forward to how it unfolds in the future.

Module 3: Collaboration

I agree with Rheingold that people have a basic instinct to work together collaboratively. I am a strong believer that two heads are better than one. Teamwork allows members to express their ideas to reach a common goal. No one person knows all their is to know about a topic. We must work together to reach the maximum potential. When we work collaboratively we gain knowledge and insight from our group that may not be discovered if the work was completed individually.

Technology is opening the door to collaboration world wide. Due to the capabilities of the Internet and the advancements in technology we now can interact with others across the globe. I never thought that I would be able to obtain a degree by completing classes online. Also, technologies such as wikis, Skype, Googledocs, and Facebook allow individuals to collaborate instantly on specific topics. People from all over the world can collaborate using these technologies because it allows individuals to work together even when they are not at the same place at the same time. I do not believe that all things should be completed collaboratively. However, many subjects and goals align themselves with collaboration and teamwork. I believe that we are entering into a more collaborative society than we have ever experienced before. This will be a transition but the benefits will be substantial. Collaboration is beneficial when it is done effectively. Collaboration is effective when approached with the end in mind. All members must identify the goal and work together to reach the stated goal.

Reference:

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer) (2008). "Way-New Collaboration." featuring
Dr. Howard Rheingold [http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/howard rheingold on
collaboration. html.]

Learning Theories

The blogs by Bill Kerr and Karl Kapp discuss learning theories. The two have different ideas pertaining to learning theories. I believe, like Kerr that the "isms" are here to stay. They do not stand alone and are beneficial to learning. The "isms" are ever changing according to curriculum and standards.

A learner does not show evidence of only one learning theory throughout their learning process. Kapp points out that learning involves more than one process at a time therefore the learner uses a variety of the learning theories throughout the process.

As educators we must recognize that learners obtain knowledge differently. We must be dedicated to finding how the learners retain the presented information and be willing to teach our students according to the learning theories. We as educators can't depend upon one of the "isms". We must embrace them all and use aspects of them all as they apply to the learning!



References:

Kapp, 2007. Retrieved from http://karlkapp.blogspot.com/2007/01/out-and-about-discussion-on-educational.html

Kerr, 2007. Retrieved from http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2007/01/isms-as-filter-not-blinker.html

Module 1 Post- How do people learn?

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

I believe that people learn in a variety of ways. Being an educator for eight years I have experienced the different ways that students learn. Learners may be auditory, visual, or kinesthetic. In order for the learner to be actively engaged and retain information presented the lesson must align with their learning style. Some learn best by hearing the information, others learn by seeing pictures, models, and graphic organizers. Still others must learn by doing. Since I teach primary students I must gain insight of how my students learn. As an educator it is up to me to meet the individual needs of my students. I have learned by experience that hands-on learning works best with younger students. They learn better by acting out the lesson or using manipulative to solve the problems. It I simply stand in front of First graders and lecture most of them will be lost in the lesson. However, when adding audio, graphic organizers, technology, and hands-on then the students grasp the skills being taught. A difficult skill for First graders to grasp is counting money. They have to use manipulative coins in order to learn to correctly count the coins.

There are three main learning theories. The learning theories are: Behaviorism, Cognitivism, and Constructivism. Educational technoloy encompasses aspects of all three of the learning theories. Technology shows aspects of behaviorism because when using certain programs such as interactive websites their is instant feedback. Technology relates to cognitivism because it deals with the environment and how the learner reacts to the environment. When learners begin to use technology they may use caution or choose not to implement the technology because they do not know how to use the technology correctly. The goal within educational technology is getting the learner to Constructivism. When the constructivism theory is evident the learner is comfortable with the learning and has become independent to create, explore, and think outside of the box!

Reference:

http://www.child-central.com/learning-styles-children.html

http://www.usask.ca/education/coursework/802papers/mergel/brenda.htm#The%20Basics%20of%20Cognitivism

Welcome

Welcome to the Learning Theory Blog! I look forward to your comments and interactions this quarter.