Module 6

As a learner, I need a clear line of communication between me and the information.  Ways in which I encounter this communication has evolved over the years including instant information via the Internet, Skype, Twitter, Facebook now which is a dramatic difference from seated in rows listening to lectures.  Essential to my learning are ways to hear, see, and kinesthetically relate to the concepts and when confusion sets in, a relationship with the instructor is detrimental to success.  Differentiated teaching is how I display my learning style and give my students multiple opportunities to connect with the concepts in ways that they may not choose on their own.

Teacher student relationships are critical and non-negotiable in teaching and learning.  Teachers who create a rapport with students, especially on the middle and high school levels, allow room for learning opportunities that would not otherwise take place if the student doesn't believe the teacher cares.  School is merely one pathway to education when there are many educative experiences that lie within all aspects of life. 

Technology has infiltrated the schools and connecting with the world is essential to a competitive education.  Students need multiple pathways to become well rounded and equipped for "real world".  The use of the Internet, social networking, and digital science labs opens the doors to hearing, seeing, and kinesthetically connecting with many learning pathways.

Module 5

As a younger teacher, I often encounter older teachers who do not utilize the technologies I use in the classroom. An example is the interwrite boards. The interwrite board allows teachers to have a wireless mouse and pen virtually eliminating the use of dry erase markers and chalk boards and overheads are now obsolete. A teacher visited my classroom and asked about the interwrite board. He was hesitant to utilize his. He was aprehensive but I was encouraging and talked him through the process from downloading the software to applying it in his class. He was excited once the board was hooked up and he was able to write on his powerpoint presentation to reinforce a topic. He was amazed at the additional writing space and the various tools at his fingertips and he was not limited to the desk which was his favorite feature of this new technology. Other teachers are not as easily influenced by the novel idea of technology in the classroom.

MindMap Responses...

http://jancutforth.wordpress.com/2011/10/29/module-4-responses/#comment-16

http://mboese.blogspot.com/2011/10/connectivism-mindmap.html#comments

-My comments to Marc wouldn't post but I commented about the use of oder technologies such as the television still being prevalent; however, I didn't use it as one of my connections. 

Connectivisim Mind Map

How has your network changed the way you learn?
I have had access through blogger, wikis, twitter, Google, and facebook with the world.  Without these, I would not be interested in learning as fervently.  The ability to have virtually instantaneous information gives the gratification needed to continue to learn more. 


Which digital tools best facilitate learning for you?
In general the internet helps and the super fast 4G networks keep the "I want it now" satisfaction which fuels the fire for learning.  Specifically: Google, Yahoo, emails, blogs, tweets, social networks, and youTubes and the like; have driven me to yearn for more education.  

How do you learn new knowledge when you have questions?
Many times I search several websites and cross reference them.  I find myself going to youTube to learn something new or reading about it and depending on what it is I want to learn I use both.   For example to learn to crochet, I watched a video and read about it just to make sure I had it correct.  I look to facebook, twitter, or email an expert if there are other questions especially pertinent to school work.  Many of my "friends" are successful educated people who can give me advice or information on where to find what I need. 

BELOW is a link for my spicy node- MIND MAP- For some reason it would not upload directly.. ENJOY!

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REPLY to Module 3/ Classmates

Lopez:
Your edutopia video was along the lines of what I was thinking. I agree that people are meant to be in pairs/groups/collaborative settings. I appreciated your study and wonder how it would be effective if teachers truly worked "together". I work on a team and we work together but I wonder how it would equate to student success if we were in a room together all day to collaborate to "heal" the wounded grades, if you will.



http://jancutforth.wordpress.com/2011/10/12/module-3-cooperation-collaboration/


Adam:

You brought forth the prehistoric analogy about the cave, watering hole, fire, etc.  I do not agree totally that if in a cave you would have to be alone.  A cave could represent a time of aloneness or solace but it can also be a place of refuge for a group or family.  I do agree that we were created to work together yet it is in times of thought provoking silence that we may be the most creative for when we do have a chance to gather together we will be productive. All I say is that we need to have equal times alone and in groups to give ourselves a chance to "recharge" if you will and put the prior knowledge to good use.

http://mrauthier.blogspot.com/2011/10/module-3-blog-constructivism.html

Module 3 Initial Post

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?
There is no doubt that humans were created to "interact and work as a group".  From the dawn of time, there were collaborations.  The pyramids would be impossible if people did not work together.  Wikipedia is a prime example of the collaboration efforts of people from all walks of life to create a valuable education tool.  Problems with the "wiki" tool is that there is no true way to verify the validity of the information. 



How can technology facilitate collaboration among learners based on constructivist principles?
Technology allows for virtually immediate collaboration among learners.  The merging of documents and files through Google is one example.  Skype transfer of files also allows people to construct knowledge together with each individual contributing to the pool of information.  Use of technology allows learners the ease of working together without schedules and other commitments as a barrier.


I found a video with Chris Dede and the 2008 National teacher of the year related to collaboration in science and how working in teams promotes achievement as well as the importance of  adults being models in collaboration.


Find a current research study that has been conducted in the last 5 years that supports collaboration as an effective tool for learning. Include the link and reference for this study in your blog.

I found a study on the incorporation of "ProScopes" which is a form of microscope connected to a computer that allows students to work together and create digital lab reports.  These microscopes were used in low SES areas to improve student inquiry and achievement.  As the students worked together to construct their lab reports, they learned more about the once difficult concept.  ProScopes was the tool that created a successful learning environment where students were allowed to work together and construct knowledge as well as become successful.

http://www.citejournal.org/vol7/iss4/science/article1.cfm

Module 2 Responses

 http://mrauthier.blogspot.com/2011/09/educ-7105-module-2.html

http://kscott317.blogspot.com/2011/09/module-2-educ-7105.html

Both were great reads, KScott- I couldn't access your video, I hope my post posted. Adam do you have to accept my post before I can see it on your blog?