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.
The blogger
The photographer, teacher, student, wife, and mom!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
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.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
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.
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.
Monday, October 17, 2011
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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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!
<object classid=clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000 id="spicynodesViewer" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab" height="360" width="640" ><param name="movie" value="http://media.spicynodes.org/display.swf?id=622eea831e2a116754914f01f503d9e7&nodemapID=238834"> <param name="scalemode" value="showall" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="wmode" value="opaque" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed name="spicynodesViewer" id="spicynodesViewer" wmode="opaque" scalemode="showall" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="http://media.spicynodes.org/display.swf?id=622eea831e2a116754914f01f503d9e7&nodemapID=238834" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" height="360" width="640"></embed></object>
Thursday, October 13, 2011
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
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
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
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
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
Sunday, October 2, 2011
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?
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?
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Module 2 Blog Response
The question that Kapp (2007) offers sparks my interest. “What is the best, how do we know what makes sense or what doesn’t?” I suggest that lower level learning (lower cognitive load) requires a behaviorist approach (memorize, recognizing, labeling) as does the expectation of outcomes that must be measured. I then suggest that procedural and rule-based learning requires an emphasis on Cognitivism and finally, problem-solving, collaboration and creativity require a view of Constructivism"
I agree with Kapp that learning has various levels of learning as well as theory techniques which are implemented. Kerr (2007), discussed the "isms" of education and describes how the education reform system uses an individual theory then after criticism change.
Meeting students where they are, in educational technology, is what Kapp(2007) meant by the levels being varied. Students who lack technical savvy, need more of a behavorist environment. These students need rote practice to become familiar with the vocabulary and basic skills. For example, my students are somewhat on a lower level in reading and therfore have to take reading tests on the computer to bring them above their current level and on to the next. Once the students advance they are able to begin "Cognitivism"type learning with games and critical thinking computer applications.
Overall both Kapp(2007) and Kerr(2007) had valid points which are applicable in today's classroom and beyond. As Tyack and Cuban (1995) discussed how reforms change over time and become reinvented the theories used in classrooms are also a revolving door. It all depends on the type of student and the subject being taught.
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/
Tyack,D. and Cuban,L. (1995). Tinkering with utopia: A century of public school reform. Cambridge,MA. Harvard Press.
I agree with Kapp that learning has various levels of learning as well as theory techniques which are implemented. Kerr (2007), discussed the "isms" of education and describes how the education reform system uses an individual theory then after criticism change.
Meeting students where they are, in educational technology, is what Kapp(2007) meant by the levels being varied. Students who lack technical savvy, need more of a behavorist environment. These students need rote practice to become familiar with the vocabulary and basic skills. For example, my students are somewhat on a lower level in reading and therfore have to take reading tests on the computer to bring them above their current level and on to the next. Once the students advance they are able to begin "Cognitivism"type learning with games and critical thinking computer applications.
Overall both Kapp(2007) and Kerr(2007) had valid points which are applicable in today's classroom and beyond. As Tyack and Cuban (1995) discussed how reforms change over time and become reinvented the theories used in classrooms are also a revolving door. It all depends on the type of student and the subject being taught.
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/
Tyack,D. and Cuban,L. (1995). Tinkering with utopia: A century of public school reform. Cambridge,MA. Harvard Press.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
BCollins-LearningTheory&EducationalTechnology: Module 1 Blog Topic
Comments about: BCollins's Post
I teach middle school as well and I agree that students can learn and tune in to learning when life is connected. As a technology teacher are you or your school system using the www.edmodo.com site? It is somewhat like facebook.
BCollins-LearningTheory&EducationalTechnology: Module 1 Blog Topic: 1. What are your beliefs about how people learn best? What is the purpose of learning theory in educational technology? My beliefs of ho...
I teach middle school as well and I agree that students can learn and tune in to learning when life is connected. As a technology teacher are you or your school system using the www.edmodo.com site? It is somewhat like facebook.
BCollins-LearningTheory&EducationalTechnology: Module 1 Blog Topic: 1. What are your beliefs about how people learn best? What is the purpose of learning theory in educational technology? My beliefs of ho...
Monday, September 12, 2011
April Carpenter's Blog Spot: Module 1 Blog: Learning and Instruction in a Digit...
Comments for April
Do you believe that teachers should incorporate learning style surveys in the beginning of the year to assess their students and be a better teacher? Do you think learning styles can change over time? The video was great. How would you incorporate the newest learning styles such as naturalistic students?
April Carpenter's Blog Spot: Module 1 Blog: Learning and Instruction in a Digit...: Module 1 Blog Topics (select one): What are your beliefs about how people learn best? People learn best when they are in a state of rea...
Do you believe that teachers should incorporate learning style surveys in the beginning of the year to assess their students and be a better teacher? Do you think learning styles can change over time? The video was great. How would you incorporate the newest learning styles such as naturalistic students?
April Carpenter's Blog Spot: Module 1 Blog: Learning and Instruction in a Digit...: Module 1 Blog Topics (select one): What are your beliefs about how people learn best? People learn best when they are in a state of rea...
Saturday, September 10, 2011
EDUC 8845 Module 1: WALDEN BLOG!
What are your beliefs about how people learn best? What is the purpose of learning theory in educational technology?
People learn best by the way they spend their free time. Learning styles are important in determining the way in which one learns best. For example, if a person enjoys listening to music during their free time; they are most likely auditory learners. There are several learning style tests that assist in discovering which one works best for an individual. In educational technology, learning theory is a necessity because the digital generation is exposed to more styles than previous generations. For educational technology to be successful and to be competetive with brick and mortar classrooms, learning theory must be studied, applied, then analyzed and evaluated.
What are the critical elements of a learning theory? Did Driscoll and Siemens miss any key questions or criteria? Provide a thoughtful critique of their discussion of learning theory.
Critical elements of a learning theory includes: observation, analysis, interpretation, interaction, and evaluation. Driscoll and Siemens were thorough in the discussion; however, Siemens provided a more in depth depiction by questioning the role of memory as well as how learning actually occurs.
Critique Siemens’s “metaphors of educators.” Which of these metaphors best describes the role you believe an instructor should take in a digital classroom or workplace? Is there a better metaphor to reflect your view of the role of instructors?
As a digital classroom instructor a teacher should take on the consierge role. The student enters the virtual classroom which is enormous and seeks out the most rapid way to find help. The consierge/ instructor gives them directions at any time and leads them along the way. Facilitator is the way I have envisioned the instructor of digital classes; however, being ground in theory is the only way facilitation in an online classroom will work.
People learn best by the way they spend their free time. Learning styles are important in determining the way in which one learns best. For example, if a person enjoys listening to music during their free time; they are most likely auditory learners. There are several learning style tests that assist in discovering which one works best for an individual. In educational technology, learning theory is a necessity because the digital generation is exposed to more styles than previous generations. For educational technology to be successful and to be competetive with brick and mortar classrooms, learning theory must be studied, applied, then analyzed and evaluated.
What are the critical elements of a learning theory? Did Driscoll and Siemens miss any key questions or criteria? Provide a thoughtful critique of their discussion of learning theory.
Critical elements of a learning theory includes: observation, analysis, interpretation, interaction, and evaluation. Driscoll and Siemens were thorough in the discussion; however, Siemens provided a more in depth depiction by questioning the role of memory as well as how learning actually occurs.
Critique Siemens’s “metaphors of educators.” Which of these metaphors best describes the role you believe an instructor should take in a digital classroom or workplace? Is there a better metaphor to reflect your view of the role of instructors?
As a digital classroom instructor a teacher should take on the consierge role. The student enters the virtual classroom which is enormous and seeks out the most rapid way to find help. The consierge/ instructor gives them directions at any time and leads them along the way. Facilitator is the way I have envisioned the instructor of digital classes; however, being ground in theory is the only way facilitation in an online classroom will work.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Accessibility Websites and Descriptions
www.Teach.ucf.edu/resourse-content/accessibility-tips/
This website was for faculty at the University of Central Florida which discussed the accessibility of text format, and netiquite as far as using all caps locked. Students who have problems with vision may have problems with images and graphics and to differentiate the graphics will be linked for students to choose which type of graphic they want either the text version or video for example. In science courses, illustrations are important and necessary; therefore, only real life photos or realistic diagrams will be used for this class. Overall this website was very informative on the basic design elements of the course that could easily be overlooked when designing for various learning styles and levels.
This website from Purdue University is related to my course because it focuses on Botany. Botany is the study of plants and in my Introduction of Plants course I will incorporate the web accessibility ideas such as keeping images clear and allowing changes for hearing or vision impaired students. I planned on incorporating podcasts and vodcasts for my course and all students would need access. For tactile learners I will incorporate an independent section for hands on learning, which would be explained and instructions linked within the course.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Group Sync
I apologize for not syncing at 7 today. Please send me a skype request. I think I am the only RaKinah on there.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Motivating Adult Learners
Here is my video-having many issues/obstacles and hope this is sufficient. I have also placed this video on teacher tube. ENJOY.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Spicy node-Video addition suggestions
Thanks to my group members I have developed a "SPICY NODE" to possibly use as a last minute addition to my video... suggestions please
Motivating Adult Learners
Motivating Adult Learners
Saturday, May 7, 2011
STATIC OR DYNAMIC=Concept Map
To differentiate between static and dynamic lies within the words. When I think of static I think of the grey fuzz on the television which shows no picture and is "stuck"===STATIC. The word DYNAMIC leads me to imagine dynamite which is explosive and immediate. I have completed a concept map on the collaboration, communication, and content of static and dynamic technologies as it relates to educational technology. The most dynamic of the technologies I discovered was "THE CLOUD", I had heard about it and was interested in researching how it would impact educational technology
Share where you believe you are on the “static-dynamic continuum.”
As I incorporate technology daily in my classroom, I am moving toward the dynamic continuum with distance education as my foundation. I have been semi static-with having my students email me their assignments and reports as I grade/edit them and return via email. We are also have a class website which is static; however, I plan to move toward blogging and social networking with my students next year. There is much work to be done on my part to move toward exclusive dynamics but there is a need for more resources as it relates to my student body.
Link to Deb's Graphic Organizer
Link to Margaret's
Share where you believe you are on the “static-dynamic continuum.”
As I incorporate technology daily in my classroom, I am moving toward the dynamic continuum with distance education as my foundation. I have been semi static-with having my students email me their assignments and reports as I grade/edit them and return via email. We are also have a class website which is static; however, I plan to move toward blogging and social networking with my students next year. There is much work to be done on my part to move toward exclusive dynamics but there is a need for more resources as it relates to my student body.
Link to Deb's Graphic Organizer
Link to Margaret's
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Strategies and Tools Graphic Organizer
This Graphic Organizer gives an overview of my view of Durrington, and Seimens' ideas of engaging learners, especially online. CCC, Collaboration, Content, and Communication are the keys to engagement. The online learner must be familiar with the content and in the organizer I chose eBooks, Theory, Rubrics, and Syllabi to highlight because these are as essential as a map in a forein land. Students need to know where their final destination is and how to get there the most successful way. Within the Collaboration circle I delegated -learning teams and conference calls as great collaboration strategies; along with wikis and blogging because of the necessity for differentitated instruction for different learning styles as well as the need to belong as it relates to a learning community. Communication was the most inclusive because all of the Cs could fit easily within the realm of communication; however, the communication between peers and with the instructor provides the trust factor that is necessary in successful learning communities. The tools here are as innovative as Texting, Facebook, Twitter, among other Social networking sites. I also chose Skype and email. One on one telephone calls could also be a beneficial tool and strategy in engaging students and especially adult learners.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Module 3 BLOGGING and Collaborative Learning
How should participation in a collaborative learning community be assessed?
Participation in learning communities should be assessed with the outcome of the product requested to be created. Usually collaborative learning requires many parts to a whole, similar to Seimens' (2011) analogy to the completion of an airplane. Learning community assessment should be fair to all parties involved, and it is not a mention of the amount of feedback from each of the participants but how participants work together to understand the concept being taught and the final product.
How do the varying levels of skill and knowledge students bring to a course affect the instructor's 'fair and equitable assessment' of learning?
The fair and equitable portion of assessment depends on the relationship with the facilitator and the student. Teachers are faced with this problem on a daily basis when required to make accommodations for special education students. Student rapport is important because of the amount of learning from the beginning to the end of the term can not be determined without knowing where the individual levels are from the start. Each student brings knowledge and experiences to the group when collaborating and creates a unique view for the group to analyze and eventually come to a consensual agreement on how to present or complete the project.
If a student does not want to network or collaborate in a learning community for an online course, what should the other members of the learning community do?
Learning community members should attempt to reach out to the non participants for feedback and to question their well being in hopes to create a relationship. The relationship formed should spark a sense of community and increase their participation in the community. According to Seimens, there is a sense of hesitation when participating in a group because of individualized instruction throughout history. Encouragement of communication and feedback is detrimental when collaborating in a learning community.
What role should the instructor play?
The instructor should be the facilitator in the learning community- fostering a pleasant urging of communication among group members. The instructor should also probe students to think outside the box and add to the discussion.
What impact would this have on his or her assessment plan?
The assessment plan would have to be based on a rubric and it will be the discretion of the instructor to determine the amount of knowledge gained throughout the process of the group assignment. Each individual in the group will be graded individually and possibly as a concerted team effort toward a genuine sense of community within the group.
Seimen's Video on WaldenU.edu
Participation in learning communities should be assessed with the outcome of the product requested to be created. Usually collaborative learning requires many parts to a whole, similar to Seimens' (2011) analogy to the completion of an airplane. Learning community assessment should be fair to all parties involved, and it is not a mention of the amount of feedback from each of the participants but how participants work together to understand the concept being taught and the final product.
How do the varying levels of skill and knowledge students bring to a course affect the instructor's 'fair and equitable assessment' of learning?
The fair and equitable portion of assessment depends on the relationship with the facilitator and the student. Teachers are faced with this problem on a daily basis when required to make accommodations for special education students. Student rapport is important because of the amount of learning from the beginning to the end of the term can not be determined without knowing where the individual levels are from the start. Each student brings knowledge and experiences to the group when collaborating and creates a unique view for the group to analyze and eventually come to a consensual agreement on how to present or complete the project.
If a student does not want to network or collaborate in a learning community for an online course, what should the other members of the learning community do?
Learning community members should attempt to reach out to the non participants for feedback and to question their well being in hopes to create a relationship. The relationship formed should spark a sense of community and increase their participation in the community. According to Seimens, there is a sense of hesitation when participating in a group because of individualized instruction throughout history. Encouragement of communication and feedback is detrimental when collaborating in a learning community.
What role should the instructor play?
The instructor should be the facilitator in the learning community- fostering a pleasant urging of communication among group members. The instructor should also probe students to think outside the box and add to the discussion.
What impact would this have on his or her assessment plan?
The assessment plan would have to be based on a rubric and it will be the discretion of the instructor to determine the amount of knowledge gained throughout the process of the group assignment. Each individual in the group will be graded individually and possibly as a concerted team effort toward a genuine sense of community within the group.
Seimen's Video on WaldenU.edu
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