Sunday, April 28, 2013
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Personal Learning
While reading about learning and learning theories I thought that I was a visual learner. However, I discovered that my way of learning consisted of a combination of behaviorism, cognitivism and constructivism.
Behaviorism- I am learning by doing on this course because I have to practice to acquire the skills associated with online learning. I also need to set out clear objectives in order to regulate my learning. for example blogging and creating a mind map.
Cognitivism-When I read the instructions on how to do an activity (creating a mind map) I think of something simple (brainstorming) to which I can relate then build on it.
Constructivism- This theory emphasizes the "integrated curriculum"(Laureate Education, Inc.,Custom Edition) which consists of taking a topic and working with it in all the disciplines-math and art just to name a few. For me integration is identifying objects and ideas that can be related to the topic. For example, to understand the "internet of things" (Horizon Report 2012) I look at the way threads are weaved together to make cloth and construct meaning from there.
There is no learning preference that I have, but I do see learning as a process through which I:
Subsequently, I am becoming a reflective learner where I spend time thinking over what I have done, accepting both positive and negative feedback. Then I use the insight to modify my thinking. I may have strong feelings about something but in light of the feedback I try to strike a balance.
I must say that technology has played a big role in my learning because I has allowed me to acquire more information on learning theories, and re-examine some ideas. I used it as a medium to develop informal learning.For example googlechat.
However, there is very much more that I still do not know, such as the skills for using internet applications and acquiring technical skills that can be applied in different settings.
Behaviorism- I am learning by doing on this course because I have to practice to acquire the skills associated with online learning. I also need to set out clear objectives in order to regulate my learning. for example blogging and creating a mind map.
Cognitivism-When I read the instructions on how to do an activity (creating a mind map) I think of something simple (brainstorming) to which I can relate then build on it.
Constructivism- This theory emphasizes the "integrated curriculum"(Laureate Education, Inc.,Custom Edition) which consists of taking a topic and working with it in all the disciplines-math and art just to name a few. For me integration is identifying objects and ideas that can be related to the topic. For example, to understand the "internet of things" (Horizon Report 2012) I look at the way threads are weaved together to make cloth and construct meaning from there.
There is no learning preference that I have, but I do see learning as a process through which I:
- relate my experiences to new concepts in order to gain understanding.
- not only know what I am doing but also why I am doing what I am doing
- actively engage myself in an activity that has the potential to either change my perspective or confirm my original suppositions.
Subsequently, I am becoming a reflective learner where I spend time thinking over what I have done, accepting both positive and negative feedback. Then I use the insight to modify my thinking. I may have strong feelings about something but in light of the feedback I try to strike a balance.
I must say that technology has played a big role in my learning because I has allowed me to acquire more information on learning theories, and re-examine some ideas. I used it as a medium to develop informal learning.For example googlechat.
However, there is very much more that I still do not know, such as the skills for using internet applications and acquiring technical skills that can be applied in different settings.
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Connectivism (cont'd) Reflection
Since I am new to online learning (the present program being my first experience) I am now getting aquainted with the digital tools that are available to support my learning. That is no to say I did not know about them, I did, but never gave them more than a cursory glance. My focus was the New York Times news paper, journals, books and other paper media. Now that I am a Walden online student it is in my interest to become involved in the technology that is there for the taking.
These different networks lessened my trips to the library to access information, but increased my purchase of ink and paper for my printer. I find it difficult to read on the computer screen. There is no way for me to highlight what is important or make notes on the page. In addition, the light on the monitor makes me feel sleepy (and yes I have screen saver). The networks have also been instrumental in broadening my experiences and continually challenging my thinking.
Consequently, I am more informed about my professional responsibilities towards my students because the contributions of others offer something of value to me. I connect with others by reading their posts and responding to their ideas which may or may not correspond with mine.However, the connections I make and the contributions which I offer build much needed relationships.
Presently, there is no specific digital tool that facilitates learning for me. Nor have I built a personal learning network as yet. I am now navigating my way through the rushing technological waters (hope I can swim) but, I like the blog, the educator's face book page and linkedIn.
These networks have much to contribute to my knowledge base. However, if, as connectivism postulates, the information today may be of no use tomorrow, then I have no foundation to stand on, nothing that drives my beliefs on education, which in turn negates any possibility of my being able to construct a philosophy of education and on and on. The ripple effect would be disastrous to me as an educator and more importantly as a learner
These different networks lessened my trips to the library to access information, but increased my purchase of ink and paper for my printer. I find it difficult to read on the computer screen. There is no way for me to highlight what is important or make notes on the page. In addition, the light on the monitor makes me feel sleepy (and yes I have screen saver). The networks have also been instrumental in broadening my experiences and continually challenging my thinking.
Consequently, I am more informed about my professional responsibilities towards my students because the contributions of others offer something of value to me. I connect with others by reading their posts and responding to their ideas which may or may not correspond with mine.However, the connections I make and the contributions which I offer build much needed relationships.
Presently, there is no specific digital tool that facilitates learning for me. Nor have I built a personal learning network as yet. I am now navigating my way through the rushing technological waters (hope I can swim) but, I like the blog, the educator's face book page and linkedIn.
These networks have much to contribute to my knowledge base. However, if, as connectivism postulates, the information today may be of no use tomorrow, then I have no foundation to stand on, nothing that drives my beliefs on education, which in turn negates any possibility of my being able to construct a philosophy of education and on and on. The ripple effect would be disastrous to me as an educator and more importantly as a learner
Connectivism
It was always important to "learn how to learn" Davis, Edmunds &Kelly-Bateman (2008). It was so important that men like Vygotsky, Skinner,Brunner and others came up with theories of learning or how people learn. Earlier theories may not have penned the phrase that way, but learning was important enough for them to identify the different theories.
Before the internet professionals learned new information through books, discussions, workshops,clubs and entertainment just to mention a few. That was their way of networking to build their knowledge base. They networked without the technology.The knowledge they gained was from the thoughts and opinions of others (a principle of connectivism) With the advent of the internet, information became easily accessible, communication was enhanced, the world became a global village and learners had current information in their laps, (so to speak).Networking had advanced to the use of technology. This suggested to me that the definition of of connectivism posited by Siemens was something that people thought about then.
According to him connectivism is based on the idea that decisions made in this twentifirst century are dependant on the information aquired at the time. That thought makes me as a learner very nervous. So my question "is technology controlling me or am I controlling technology"? Can you answer that question?
Before the internet professionals learned new information through books, discussions, workshops,clubs and entertainment just to mention a few. That was their way of networking to build their knowledge base. They networked without the technology.The knowledge they gained was from the thoughts and opinions of others (a principle of connectivism) With the advent of the internet, information became easily accessible, communication was enhanced, the world became a global village and learners had current information in their laps, (so to speak).Networking had advanced to the use of technology. This suggested to me that the definition of of connectivism posited by Siemens was something that people thought about then.
According to him connectivism is based on the idea that decisions made in this twentifirst century are dependant on the information aquired at the time. That thought makes me as a learner very nervous. So my question "is technology controlling me or am I controlling technology"? Can you answer that question?
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