Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Module 6: Learning in a Digital World


Module 6 – Blog Post Discussion

What is your philosophy of learning?
My approach to learning is the constructivism theory of learning. Driscoll (2005) emphasizes that the constructivist learning is when students actively engage in using problem-solving and their critical-thinking skills (p. 387). Students construct their own knowledge by testing ideas, using their creativity, and use of their prior knowledge. The learning is relevant and relative to their real life situations. For example, students’ cultural and socio-economic background, their values, beliefs, motivation, and their expectations increase their learning. Students take their prior knowledge and apply this knowledge to a new experience. This gives students a better understanding on how learning takes place online and in a traditional classroom environment.

What do you believe is critical and non-negotiable in teaching and learning?
In this 21st century, technology is critical and non-negotiable in teaching and learning. The proper implementation and use of technologies allows teachers and students opportunities to display their creativity in learning and use of their cognitive skills.

Semple (2000) argues that there is a gap between learning, teaching, and educational technologies and what happens in our schools. She states that teachers teach through their own perceptions which are teacher-centered strategies and not student-centered methods. Kinnaman (1995) reveals that in order to close the gap between education and school practices, we must be willing to reorganize schools by becoming more technology driven. Despite the implementation of new technologies, teachers should have a profound knowledge of the various learning theories, an understanding of his/her students, competence in using and applying educational technologies, which will create effective learning environments. For this to happen, teachers must be given opportunities to take preservice training and that schools have available on-going professional development for preparing teachers to meet the needs of our students.

References

Driscoll, M. (2005).  Psychology of learning for instruction (3rd ed.). Boston: Pearson Education, Inc.

Semple, A. (2000, September).  Learning theories and their influence on the development and use of educational technologies, Australian Science Teachers Journal, 46(3), 21-29.   


Michele

Module 6:  Learning in a Digital World

I responded to the following community members:

Temeka Shingles

http://temekashingles.tumblr.com/

Karen Wondergem

http://wondergemprinciplesofdistanceed.blogspot.com

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Module 5 Blog Post: New Technologies


Module 5 – Blog Post Discussion

Briefly describe a situation in which you have encouraged people to use a new technology and have been met with resistance or disappointing results. What attitudes did these people exhibit? What behaviors did they demonstrate?

When I started my teaching career in 1994, computers were prevalent. However, the majority of teachers at this school did not want to change their way of getting their work finish. The use of computer meant that they had to replace the use of an electronic typewriter. Most faculty members felt that the electronic typewriter is the effective and efficient way of completing all required assignments, reports, and lesson plans and that trying to replace the electronic typewriter with a computer would create chaos. To eliminate some resistance from staff and the faculty, I would conduct training sessions for everyone. Many of the staff and faculty were ready for acceptance of using the computer instead of the electronic typewriter; however, there are still some individuals who reject the use of computers in their educational environment.

Using Keller’s ARCS model, describe how you could change the motivation of these people, or learners, to encourage success. 
In order to change the motivation of these people, or learners for encouraging success, I would first display a short video on the purpose and ease of using computers and how computers can benefit students learning as well as their learning. After the video, I would pose questions for participants for brainstorming and grouped discussions. The questions would be based on the participants incorporating their past and current skills and knowledge and how connected computers are in what they need to accomplish daily. More experienced users will work with those individuals who continue to resist the use of computers. This will increase their confidence and act as a support system in order to achieve success. Feedback is ongoing for each participant in order to monitor their progress and success. In using Keller’s (1984) ARCS (Attention, Relevance, Confidence, Satifaction), I must keep in mind that motivation comes from within and that the use of any new technology requires introducing to learners a small portion at a time and making that innovation work for them.

Reference
Driscoll, M. (2005). Psychology of learning for instruction (3rd ed.). NY: Pearson Education, Inc.

Michele


Module 5:  New Technologies

I responded to the following community members:


Sandra Dykes
http://sandra-sandradykes.blogspot.com/2011/12/module-one.html