Walden 7105 Mod 4 Posted Comments To:

http://brandylutz.wordpress.com/

http://mikedillon1977.wordpress.com/

Walden 7105 Mod 4 (reflection)

The way that this network has changed the way I learn is that it has made me more connected. Previously I would be alone in my quest, either paper or electronic, seeking mostly static resources the provided little to no feedback. Now, I have feedback and vibrancy where the information has more variety to the types available and found, and adjustments or changes in the direction of seeking information can occur much quicker saving time that used to be lost chasing dead ends.

The digital tools that I have found the most helpful are those under the "Google" umbrella. The speed and amount of resources are amazing. It is difficult at times to sort out the number of pertinent references provided in each search. The tools under Google Docs or just plain Google.com have made researching and preparing reports drastically different then when I started college 16 years ago!

The way I learn now compared to before the "network" is I go to the Internet and search. I used to go to books either at home or in the library. I didn't always have precisely what I needed or I would have to go through several references, by hand, before I found something useful after hours of searching. Now I can put some key words in to a search browser and literally sort through hundreds of references within minutes to narrow down the choices to the ones I need. I can collaborate with classmates practically any time and they don't have to be nearby or travel to do it (except across the house).

Walden 7105 Mod 4

Walden 7105 Mod 3 - Posted comments to:

http://mikedillon1977.wordpress.com

http://walden7105.blogspot.com/

Walden 7105 Mod 3

I do believe that humans are prone to working together. It is one of the things that has made us a successful species and part of the premise of the hunter/gatherer model. Unless we work collectively, especially when it comes to food, then many of us would not make it. Think about what would happen to the unfortunate individuals with severe handicaps or disabilities. Even though paternal instincts to protect offspring would kick in and help to protect them, without the collective support of the extended family, these children would not likely survive to adulthood as the parents would focus on the stronger "normal" siblings. Thankfully we can think and reason unlike most animals (although their is often lack of evidence, especially in our schools).

As Reingold related, Wikipedia is a good example of constructivist principles in action (2005). People sharing ideas in a forum that allows others to evaluate information that's already been supplied and editing either to correct errors or to add to the body of information, this is "connecting" and "constructing" knowledge and ideas which also can and does lead to new understandings (Driscoll, 2005).

References:

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

Rheingold, Howard. (2005) TED conference video: Way-New Collaboration. Retrieved: January 11, 2011 from http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/howard_rheingold_on_collaboration.html

7105 Mod 2

http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2007/01/isms-as-filter-not-blinker.html

http://karlkapp.blogspot.com/2007/01/out-and-about-discussion-on-educational.html

(the link above [for Kapp] did not work for me, it kept going to the current homepage. The link below did work)

http://www.kaplaneduneering.com/kappnotes/index.php/2007/01/out-and-about-discussion-on-educational/

Kerr’s discussion on “-isms” was somewhat entertaining but not enlightening. I can concur with the confusion on the use of the suffix, or overuse, but really what is the point. The point to me is what constitutes learning and how is it measured.

That’s where I like Kapp’s comments that as we move to higher levels of learning, the type of –ism changes too. Basic learning, two plus two equals four, fundamentals of reading and writing, and how to tie your shoes, are examples of behaviorism learning. As we progress to abstract thinking like plot lines in novels, or algebraic functions, then we need the principles of connectivism and constructivism to frame the learning process.

Kerr’s comments on humans being described as machines relating to behaviorism as we exhibit a stimulus-response reaction or machines being described as humanistic relating to cognitivism when strategizing to play chess does create a forum for further discussion. Are they like us, or are we like them, and is there a theory that explains it all? Or, do we have clearly defined parameters that we can categorize into a one-size-fits-all theory. The evolution of learning theory is continuing in my opinion with much debate still ahead!

7105 Mod 1

What are your beliefs about how people learn best? What is the purpose of learning theory in educational technology?

I think that people learn best when their interests and needs are matched by the method of delivery. For auditory learners this can be a lecture type of presentation. For visual learners, well prepared lessons that display information in interesting ways works best. No matter what the preferred learning style or the method of delivery, the instructor and the relationship they create can make or break the learning of the student. A partnership in learning is what I think makes people want to learn. The most proactive student can be turned off by an instructor that sours the learning environment. The most resistant student can be encouraged to learn, and in the best of circumstances can be awakened to the power and joy of learning, if the right match of instructor is there to mentor them. This is why I believe that no matter how "digital" we become in the learning environment, we will still need these type of mentors to lead learning.

For me the purpose of learning theory in educational technology is to provide the basis or framework for lesson design but with a digital spin. Learning theory speaks to the way that people learn depending on the desired outcome. Course preparation in a digital medium requires the architect to follow the "rules" and incorporate those elements that best meet the criterion to lead to the desired outcome, learning.

Video (audio) link discussing learning theory.