Cognitivism as a Learning Theory

As I was reading Bill Kerr’s blog the first thing that popped into my mind was that he is confusing my by constantly using “isms”. Bill Kerr said, “Actions which are followed by rewards are often repeated.” I completely agree that this is a strategy that is still used in today’s classroom. The theory of behaviorism, to me, is one of the most used strategies inside of the classroom. All students receive a grade for their work. I consider grades to be an award. Some students might not agree with that but rewarding a student with an “A” is a reward in response to the correct work being submitted. There were many times in Kerr’s blog that confused me. At one point I was not sure what theory he supported. I am guessing that he believes that all of the learning theories are necessary because he started to lean that way by the end of his blog. I am wondering if anyone else had trouble understanding his points and if they can elaborate further on what he was trying to say.




Reference

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

Learning Theory and Educational Technology: Module One

For this week's blog I have decided to discuss option one which states, "What are your beliefs about how people learn best? What is the purpose of learning theory in educational technology?"  The problem with answering this type of question is that I don't have one particular belief about how people learn.  Different people learn differently.  There is no one size fits all fix for education.  I believe that educational technology can help with this problem.  Technology can be used to help students get an individual learning experience.  I also believe that the best learning can only occur if the theories are combined.

Video Presentation

Cluster Map

Here is my graphic organizer.  If you would like to see the interactive graph working please visit the class cafe.

Engaging Learners with New Strategies and Tools

Once again I am dealing with something I have no clue how to make work.  I have created this wonderful interactive graphic organizer but I can not post it on my blog.  Please go to the class cafe and check out my graphic organizer.  Please help me if you know how to attach pdf files to blogs.

Resource for graphic organizer

Prois, J. (2011, March 27). Social networking in schools: Educators debate the merits of technology in classrooms The Internet Newspaper, Retrieved from       http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/27/social-networking-schools_n_840911.html

Assessing Collaborative Efforts

Participation in a collaborative learning community should be assessed in different models.  According to Siemens students should assess their peers, self-assess, educators should assess student contributions and educators should assess based on metrics.   Assessment should be fair and understood.  Rubrics would be the best way for an educator to assess students in this learning environment.  I believe the fairest way to assess students is to create a rubric that is very specific. 
 
When it comes to students who do not want to participate in the learning community it effects everyone.  I have worked in groups where there are a few people that do not actively participate.  It is a major headache.  The best way to deal with this problem is to try and communicate with the group member.  If this does not work then the instructor needs to be informed.  The instructor is a facilitator and should be made aware of group members that do not participate. 
 
 
Laureate Education, Inc. (2008). Learning Communities. Principles of Distance Education. Baltimore, MD: Author.