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?

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.

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...

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...

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. 

The New Atlantis » Virtual Friendship and the New Narcissism

The New Atlantis » Virtual Friendship and the New Narcissism