Responses to Module 5

I have responded to Valenta Wade at http://raivynsmom.wordpress.com/ and Jennifer Joseph at http://jenanp.blogspot.com

Module 5 - New Technology

This past fall, I attended a conference where an educator who was an author of innovative educational technology presented. I went back to school and presented to my grade level some of the innovative technology such as Edmodo Animmoto, Voki, YouTube, and Blogger. Most of the teachers were thrilled with the digital tools they can use in the classroom with their students. There were a few negative comments regarding access to YouTube and labs also, learning this technology along with the core curriculum. A few teachers was thrilled and immediately asked me to help create a blog, and lessons that would engage their students. Other teachers expressed an appreciation but said they did not feel capable technologically of maintain a blog for the classroom. I offered to any interested in using any of this technology training, which I did. There were few that followed through in using, after learning how to make their own blog and YouTube video whether for the classroom or for personal use. Keller’s ARCS model could be used to change the motivation of these people, or learners, to encourage success. Keller’s model includes four strategies of gaining and sustaining attention, enhancing relevance, building confidence, and generating satisfactions. It also includes a design process which includes analysis of the audience, defining motivational objectives, and strategies, and trying out and revising as needed. First, I would hold discussions with my colleagues and perhaps survey them to both inform then and to learn about their comfort level, interest in, and technological skills. Then how it could benefit teachers, students, and school thus providing the relevance. This would give me a baseline of information on individual confidence levels also. I may also follow up this initial presentation with an all faculty time in the computer lab where individuals can experiment on viewing other blogs with small groups. I believe working or collaborating with a small group, it is hoped that those with less skill may learn from another person as well as build their own confidence. Lab time may also serve to generate satisfaction because skills could be applied right away. I would also allow for an open question and answer session to provide even more relevance for the faculty as I simultaneously demonstrate how the use of blogs can answer some questions.

Response

I have responded to Leslie Lee, Tracy Snow and Heather Rogers

Module 4 - Mindmap - Connectivism

 Reflection of Mindmap

http://www.scribd.com/doc/91692581/Mindmap-Module-4#page=1

When I created the mind map to outline the various connections there were significant areas used that has influence my thinking. I identified a few patterns in the tools I rely on and the level of "connectedness" across different facets of my life. I was a not surprised that the connections in my personal life were so cohesive.  My immediate family uses various types of social networks such as Facebook, email and texting. Then in my professional and academic connectedness I use somewhat similar networks or maybe a little more.  In these areas, I spend time connecting with other individuals, creating knowledge, and sharing information by using such technology as LotusNotes, Pintrest, Mimios, and various internet sites. Sad to think and say most of my personal connections are in my professional and academic areas.

I have discovered Pintrest this year which has created a new way for me to acquire information on a personal and professional level. Through Pintrest I have been able to connect with people I would otherwise never have an opportunity to network and gather inspiring information. The network provided me with not only information, but resources. This is the same with blogs and podcast that I learned to use in graduate school and personally. All of these technological tools have been a great access in gathering information anytime and anywhere.

I have used multiple search engines and key words that provide me quickly a series of references.  I read those references and use their bibliographies to develop further references. Siemens (2006) states that the acquirement realms of learning is fact-finding and inquiry-based which the learner obtains the needed knowledge and actively enter the process in order to assuage personal motivations and interest.  As a student I accumulate a collage of information; I cull it to reduce the information to the most important points.

Reference:

Siemens, G (2006) Knowing Knowledge. Copyright 2006 by George Siemens.

Module 3 - Responses

I have responded to Ashley O., Michelle Martens Dragalin, and Rashida B. question to me.

Reflection on Rheingold's Video

Module 3

Reflection on Rheingold - Collaboration and Constructivist

I do believe under the right situation groups of people will come together to create and do for the benefit of all. One particular example is the disaster in New Orleans, when Hurricane Katrina devastated my home town. In a time of disaster family, friends and strangers came together to help. My house went from a home of 4 to a home of almost 20. Many friends, neighbors and colleagues of my husband and me assisted which I do believe was a basic instinct to do well.

Another example has risen in recent years due to the economic crisis families at my school have struggled to keep a roof over their kids heads, and food on the table as many families has all over the country. The teachers at my school have felt compelled to work together to help in providing food for many of our low income and diverse community. Many people such as my colleagues come together for a common good.

Rheingold proposal regarding the use of Wikipedia for collaboration is similar to several tools teachers use in the classroom. Teachers are now using technological tools such as Pearlstree and Pinterest to collaborate and share with others. The educational technology and social media sites that are developed today can be beneficial to collaboration.

I think the collaboration of technology based on constructivist principal should be viewed as an important resource of sharing. The internet brings a wealth of information to groups of individuals who can discuss and share ideas and resources. Constructivist principals create a way that learners can experience learning relevant in their particular environment.

Some ways that technology might be used within the context of constructivist curriculum are outlined in the following sites:

Research Online: Incorporating mobile technologies within constructivist-based curriculum resources

New Media Writing: Narratives and Publishing in a Developing Field.

http://www.edci.purdue.edu/ertmer/docs/AERA06_TchrBeliefs.pdf

http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech005.shtml

Module 2 - Discussion 2

My Response:

After I read about cognitivism and learning theories on both blogs, the three theorists address persuasive points of view. Downes indicated that people are like computers. For instance, Downes states that if machines continue to evolve by displaying visceral emotions. At this point, behaviorism could regain it place in society (Downes, p. 3). These are convincing arguments, but we must remember that humans construct computers and that we are responsible for how computers think and learn. The more we perfect them the less there are jobs available for individuals.