iPads in the classroom

A current technology that has emerged in the last few years that has started to shape the learning process is Apple's iPad.  The number one problem with the technology is the price.  It is also hard to monitor what students are actually doing on their school supplied iPads.  The societal needs that are meet include interactive activites and a reduction of textbooks.  This technology would be even better if it were more affordable for all school districts and students.  Some sites that might be useful include: http://ipadeducators.ning.com/ and http://www.apple.com/education/ipad/. 

Connectivism Mindmap

• How has your network changed the way you learn? 
• I know this seems odd but networking has not changed the way I learn.  Personally I like to do things alone.  
• Which digital tools best facilitate learning for you? 
• None of these tools are better then the other for me.  I have been struggling with blogging, wikis and Google Plus.  When it comes to collaboration I have struggled.
• How do you learn new knowledge when you have questions?
• When I have questions I would rather go up to someone and ask them face to face or read the information in a book or online myself.

Collaboration

Collaboration

Howard Rhinegold talked about how in history humans have found ways to work with each other for the greater good.  He used the example of hunting big game and that it is impossible for one person to take down a mastodon.  Humans would have to come together to kill such a creature.  Personally I believe that humans only like to come together when it serves a common goal.  Most of the time people like to do things as individuals.

In my classroom whenever I mention group work there seems to be a wave of groans and questions of can I work by myself.  Technology can facilitate collaboration amongst learners because it can help elevate some of the fears and concerns that students have when it comes to collaborative assignments.  A student’s participation and contributions can be tracked and this helps the grading process. 

I found this link of useful resources and I would like to share it with everyone:  http://www.collaborativelearning.org  there are lots of resources available for free.    The research study that I would like to point my classmates to is located at: http://ehis.ebscohost.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=02b02570-6aea-4d86-a821-e1217721fe99%40sessionmgr12&vid=8&hid=22.

References

Burger, S., & McFarland, M. (2009). Action Research and Wikis: An Effective Collaboration. Library Media Connection, 28(2), 38-40.

 Rheingold, H. (2008, February). Howard Rheingold on collaboration [Video file]. Retrieved from
http://www.ted.com/talks/howard_rheingold_on_collaboration.html

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