Module 4 responses

I posted to the following:

http://hutchisonedt550.blogspot.com/

http://momtech-eeducatorblogger.blogspot.com/2011/10/module-4-connectivism-mindmap.html?showComment=1319908189051#c1873272956577379287

Connectivism Mindmap: Module 4

How has your network changed the way you learn?

My learning has radically changed over the last few years due to my education through Walden.  I will honestly say I would have never known about wikis, blogs, podcasts, vodcasts, skype or anything else if it wasn't for this program.  Because of these tools, my learning comes quicker than it used to.  I no longer have to wait on a professor to teach me the information.  I can now learn it on my own through said programs. Also, I have the ability to skype with colleagues from around the world to discuss educational matters.  This has not only increased my learning, but also allowed me to collaborate with others who may think differently because of their environment.

Which digital tools best facilitate learning for you?

The tools that best facilitate learning for me would have to be skype, wikis, and discussion boards.  I learn more from communication with others, and these programs allow me to do so. I meet with different groups at least once a week to collaborate on projects or to discuss the "happenings" of class.  This not only helps me to learn, but also keeps me up to speed with what all is due that week.  Lastly, the discussion boards allow me to expand my thinking by comparing it to others' thoughts.  I really grow as a learner when I am able to see and ponder upon different ways of thinking.

How do you learn new knowledge when you have questions?

I learn new knowledge a variety of different ways.  One is by reading others' thoughts on the discussion boards.  This allows me to expand my own knowledge by seeing what others think.  Also, skyping is an essential tool for me.  It allows me to communicate with others anywhere/anytime I want.  I have really enjoyed having access to it, because it allows me accessibility to information when I need it.  Lastly, I use Youtube and collaboration with my best friend through texting in order to bring to fruition aspects I do not understand in class.  Youtube allows me to see demonstrations on how to work certain digital tools I may not understand and my best friend is an amazing “techie,” so I go to her like she is my teacher. 

Module 3 Responses

http://vaughnswalden.blogspot.com/2011/10/collaboration-blog-post-3.html?showComment=1318176556479#c2499369078580725395

http://jenniferbethrobinson.blogspot.com/2011/10/module-3.html?showComment=1318176838591#c7031259841808808766

Collaboration

•Do you believe that humans have a basic instinct to “interact and work as a group,” as Rheingold proposed in his discussion of the evolution of Wikipedia as a collectively developed encyclopedia?

As Rheingold stated in his video, I too believe humans have a basic instinct to “interact and work as a group” (2005).  In my opinion, over the ages we have grown to understand the importance of collaboration to the survival of mankind.  We depend on each other to get the “most for our money.”  I believe as we advance more in technology, we will begin to depend more and more on one another.  For example, look at the direction education has gone in the last 10 years.  We have gone from a factory to a communal commons of learning.  We understand that two heads are better than one.

•How can technology facilitate collaboration among learners based on constructivist principles?

In the reading, Driscoll wrote the following recommendations:  1) Embed learning in complex, realistic, and relevant environment; 2)Provide for social negotiation as an integral part of learning; 3) Support multiple perspectives and the use of multiple modes of representation; 4) Encourage ownership; 5) Nurture self-awareness of the knowledge construction process (2005).  Technology enables these recommendations to come to life and engage our students.  The best examples of the above question live in our classrooms today.  At my school, Coahulla Creek High School, students use their tablets to do group research, access Edmodo, or Skype with one another about problems or discussion questions that they have encountered in class.   Also, our school was built to encourage collaboration and the use of technology.  So, the entire school has Wi-Fi for the students to use their tablets, iPads, or laptops.  As one can see, technology is the best way to embed the constructivist principles into student learning. 

•Find a current research study that has been conducted in the last 5 years that supports collaboration as an effective tool for learning. Include the link and reference for this study in your blog.

http://tojde.anadolu.edu.tr/tojde32/pdf/notes_for_editor_1.pdf

References:

Driscoll, M. P. (2005). Psychology of learning for instruction (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education.

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