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?

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...