Module 4 Responses

Below are the blogs I responded to for Module 4:

http://jacobseduc8845.wordpress.com/2012/04/29/networked-learning/#comment-12

http://www.jean-jacquesmedastin.com/blog/

8845 Module 4 Blog

Understanding technology comes easy to me but there are times when I have to shake my head over today’s technology. Siemens (Laureate, 2010) affirmed in his Connectivism Learning Theory video that our world as becomingly “increasingly complex” in a highly fragmented information society.

Blogs, wikis, and discussion boards are a few of the digital tools which facilitate learning for me. All of these tools have a significant impact on collaboration within environments such as virtual classrooms and distance learning. I have come to realize that individuals are more likely to absorb information at a higher rate if they work together. Learners are able to develop new knowledge and increase understanding as a result of collaborative exchange.

There is an endless amount of information outlets available today that were only ideas not long ago. Technological devices such as computers, laptops, tablets, scanners, and smart phones have spawned global transformations in the way individuals live their lives. Gone are the days of looking for the morning paper. No longer do we have to wait for the evening news to see the weather forecast. All we have to do in order to become up to date with news and information is turn on, log on or turn to our blackberry or satellite radio.

Technologies such as computers, tablets as well as portable digital devices have played an integral role in enhancing the effectiveness of learning communities. Thanks to these electronic gizmos and tools, individuals globally are able to stay connected and in touch. I am no longer dependent upon newspapers, radio, and other forms of static communication to receive news and information. This is due to the many digital devices and gadgets at my fingertips. Dynamic forms of communication can be enhanced by tools such as iPads and tablets due to their portability and robust feature offerings. As a steward of the discipline in educational technology, I can utilize this knowledge of media and technology to help sustain the transformation into a communications oriented society.

Reference

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2010). Connectivism Learning Theory

Module 3 post listing

For module 3 I posted to the following blogs:

http://ploderlearningtheoryandedutech.blogspot.com/2012/04/module-3-blog-collaboration.html?showComment=1334434239887#c8188317597790259236

http://schroederedtech.blogspot.com/2012/04/do-you-believe-that-humans-have-basic.html?showComment=1334435307670#c1285647252597421717

http://edistancelearning.blogspot.com/2012/04/alm-module-3-collaboration.html?showComment=1334436135996#c4209348438994748459

Module 3: Collaboration

Module 3: Collaboration

In module 3, I watched a video of Howard Rheingold talking about the innate sense of individuals to collaborate and seek out groups. Rheingold spoke of collaboration occurring in early civilizations such as when the “nomadic hunters. He went on to describe a range of methods in which technology produces collaboration tools such as Wikipedia.

It is my belief that humans do possess an innate instinct to collaborate as presented by Rheingold in his presentation. Often when I taught technology to elementary students, I would see from all of the age groups that when paired with others or placed in groups, many students will collaborate to accomplish objectives. According to Driscoll, constructivist theory is based on the conjecture that individuals construct knowledge as they endeavor to comprehend experiences (Driscoll, 2005). Technology offers several conduits to learning. Furthermore, Rheingold referred to the collaboration that was promoted as a result of the printing press. This innovation helped to evolve individuals into literacy which generated innovative forms of collective action in the realms of knowledge, religion and politics (Rheingold, 2008).

Collaborative and self-directed learning, engagement, inquiry, and knowledge construction can all be enhanced by way of technology and technological devices. Online access enables classroom equity and places a greater demand on learners because access to new information technology requires learners to become disciplined readers. The internet facilitates construction of knowledge and learner engagement.

Discussion comments and points of interest typify the attentive critique and analysis of individual experiences and ventures. Individuals use constructivist processes in preparing for online discussions as well as participating in them. The collaboration offered by each of the participants is developed carefully and used to show evidence of the various other learning resources and associations to course work. Learners read the issue which is up for discussion, then they assess the material and texts, read and provide their thoughts in relation to the contribution of other learners, and then articulate their own responses.

The Dunkel, Shams and George article (2011) presents the Expansive Collaboration (EC) Model’s theoretical background and role in providing students in disciplines within various educational environments. Although transdisciplinary and multi-institutional approaches create synergy not possible with a simpler collective, the EC model works differently based upon educational and community settings. The findings of the study indicate that the model operates under the premise that teaching environments, created when these diverse working teams form, deepen student interest and learning by promoting critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and enhance communication skills needed to solve nuanced issues.

References

Dunkel, F. V., Shams, A. N., & George, C. M. (2011). Expansive Collaboration: A Model for Transformed Classrooms, Community-Based Research, and Service-Learning. NACTA Journal, 55(4), 65-74.

Rheingold, H. (2008, February). Howard Rheingold on collaboration. Retrieved 4/9/12 from
http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/howard_rheingold_on_collaboration.html

For the module 2 discussion, I posted comments to the following blogs:

http://srzollinger.wordpress.com/2012/03/28/zollinger-educ-8845-mod-2-blog-post/#comment-6

http://raycoxphd.blogspot.com/2012/03/module-2-blog-posting-while-idea-of.html#comment-form

http://jygreensblog.blogspot.com/2012/03/module-2-cognitivism-as-learning-theory.html?showComment=1333376613869#c7187014886875622169