Module Four Blog Responses

I responded to Sullus Teague at

http://sullusteagueeduc-8845.blogspot.com/2011/04/connectivism-mindmap-modulel-4.html

I also responded to Aisha Chadwick at

http://chadwickeds.blogspot.com/2011/04/module-4-blog.html

Connectivism

My network is not a very complex network, with many areas overlapping.  Although it is not a very complex network it has changed the way I think and learn because I am able to tap into a wide variety of resources of information.  I am able to access my contacts in various ways.  Before I had an iPhone or any sort of Smartphone I had to wait until I was near a computer to obtain information from the internet or check email.  Now that I have an iPhone I am able to instantly Skype chat with friends, family, colleagues, and classmates whereever I am as long as I have a 3G signal or wireless access.  I am able to access my coursework through the Walden app, and view the videos from the course whereever I am at.  I have watched videos in line at the grocery store, while working out, and even once while having a root canal!  My learning has become mobile.  I use digital tools such as blogs, GoogleDocs, and discussion boards constantly. The ability to interact and work collaboratively with my peers has greatly enriched my learning experiences.  Whenever I have questions or need clarification about certain things, I am quick to turn to my peers or other experts in the field, or to online scholarly articles.  Having a smartphone allows me to have my questions immediately addressed by performing a quick search. The way I learn and interact with my network has changed tremendously in the past 2 years, and as technology becomes more and more advanced I am sure the way I interact will continue to evolve. 

Reference

Kop, R., & Hill, A. (2008). Connectivism: Learning theory of the future or vestige of the past? International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 9(3), 1–13.

Module Three Blog Responses

I responded to Maria Rodriguez's blog found at

http://msrodriguez-design.blogspot.com/2011/04/module-3.html?showComment=1303017222913#c3500918257302258224

Maria provided some very interesting opinions about collaboration...most of which I agreed with.  :-)


I also responded to Stephen Anane Boakye at

http://www.ananeboakye.wordpress.com/

Module Three Blog Post: Collaboration

I agree with Rheingold that humans share a basic instinct to interact and work as a group, although I believe that there are some exceptions to this ingrained instinct.  Some individuals are naturally introverted or may be completely anti-social.  Collaboration essentially eliminates the potential for individual rewards and self reward because of the design of most collaborative activities, so some individuals may not be naturally inclined to gravitate towards collaborative work because they may need or seek individual reward and recognition. 

Technology is a great facilitator of collaboration.  It can bring learners together from across the globe.  Applications such as Skype, Facetime, and messenger bring learners together because they are able to interact instantly and learn by doing. Students can work together simultaneously and create various projects. In the case study by Microsoft, it discusses how employees at EA used social networking to learn about one another, collaborate, share ideas, and create action packed games on a tight schedule (Microsoft, 2009).  It demonstrated how getting to know the other people within the company and having a place to quickly and safely share ideas increased productivity and learning within the company. 

Microsoft.  (2009).  Electronic Arts Embraces Social Networking to Create Better Games on Tight Timelines.  Case Study. 

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

Module One Blog Responses

I responded to the following blogs
Charles Price

http://mrcsviewfromthetop.blogspot.com/2011/03/what-are-my-beliefs-about-how-people.html#comments

Stephen Anane-Boyake

http://ananeboakye.wordpress.com/2011/03/16/learning-theory-and-educational-technology-module-1-educ-8845/#comments

Module Two Blog Responses

I responded to the following blog(s): 

Sullus Teague

http://sullusteagueeduc-8845.blogspot.com/2011/03/cognitivism-as-learning-theory-module-2.html#comments

I responded to an additional blog, but I can not remember who it belonged to, so I am unable to locate it. 

Cognitivism as a Learning Theory

     In education and psychology learning theories attempt to describe how people think and learn, providing insight into the complex process of learning. Cognitivism seeks to look beyond simply behavior and explain brain-based learning.  I share the belief that each learning theory is not complete nor is it stand-alone in its own right (Kerr, 2007).  Each learning theory has its place in education and the strengths of each these theories is reason alone for them to remain and not be abandoned. I share Kapp's theory that learning is not one thing, but a multi-layer process that can not be described or encompassed by just one school of thought.

     Some learning processes are better suited for the behaviorist approach such as memorization, recalling, labeling, and recognizing.  Some learning processes are better suited for the cognivist approach such as rules, rituals, and routines.   Neither cognitivism, constructivism, or behaviorism fully explain the learning process and how children or adults learn (Kapp, 2007).  There is no one size fits all theory that will cover all aspects of the learning process, and as human knowledge is expanded and understanding of the brain grows, so will the understanding of how humans learn. 

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

Kapp, K. (2007, January 2). Out and about: Discussion on educational schools of thought [Web log post].   Retrieved from http://www.kaplaneduneering.com/kappnotes/index.php/2007/01/out-and-about-discussion-on-educational/


I responded to the following blog(s): 

Sullus Teague

http://sullusteagueeduc-8845.blogspot.com/2011/03/cognitivism-as-learning-theory-module-2.html#comments

I responded to an additional blog, but I can not remember who it belonged to, so I am unable to locate it.