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


9 comments:

  1. I didn't think about the use of video. That is a very good idea. If people see how tools work first then maybe they can appreciate using them later.

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    Replies
    1. Toni,

      When introducing new technology to the staff, make sure that the video and any other resources are operable. New learners may become highly frustrated if nothing works. For example, we were introduced to livebinders today. It is a free website. Many of the URL that you wanted to add were inoperable. Prior to introducing new technology or software, use a trial period.

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  2. My mom would have appreciated the video when she too was transitioning from the typewriter to the computer. Great idea!

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    Replies
    1. Leandra,

      I guess your mom is pleased that she has made the switch from a typewriter to a computer. :)

      Michele

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  3. A video? Great idea. I started out in 1998 as a computer teacher and the only computer program that they had was DOS. Yes, DOS that was a interesting year. I learn how to use my programming skills. I was incharge of the Career Fair that year. I invited the local business and introduced the classroom teachers to the real world of work and incorporating business to the classroom makes learning life-long.

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    1. Carolyn,

      DOS (Disk Operating System)consisted of approximately 128 commands. It was command driven and you needed to know them in order to make the computer do what you wanted it to do. It was tedious and time consuming. In this 21st century, everything is at our finger tips with the click of the mouse!!!

      Michele

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  4. Hi Michelle,

    Good post, I believe that you could motivate people by providing a video that will highlights points on how technology can really enhance students learning. I also believe that technology can allow students the opportunity to be used as a tool to support students in performing tasks, the students are in the position of defining and identify their goals, making design decisions, and evaluating their progress.

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    Replies
    1. Keith,

      In addition to evaluating their progress, students can monitor their progress. This will provide students opportunities to take ownership of their work and to continue to develop into independent learners.

      Michele

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  5. michelle:

    Your comments reminded me of when I first had a computer at home, which also occured in 1994. My boss at the time (I was a pharmaceutical salesman) embraced the use of the computer while several of my colleagues were less enthusiastic about its applications. At least one person commented on the fact that HE wasn't about to get rid of his electronic typewriter!
    About six months later, he had no choice in the matter.

    Good comments!

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