Module 6 Responses

I've responded to Jami and Sherri's blogs.

Module 6: Learning in a Digital World

This class has reintroduced me to the learning theories of behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism. It has also introduced me to the new theory of connectivism. Technology has opened the doors to instant information. It has changed the way we communicate, work, and learn.  Technology has allowed us to become more active learners instead of passive learners. Through the use of technology, learning occurs through networks and this became real evident to me as I created a mind map of my own network.

One aspect of teaching and learning that is infused in my personal theory of learning is very important to me are learning modalities. One size does not fit all when it comes to learning and learning environments. Each learner comes with different learning experiences, expectations, and challenges. Often our own personal learning styles can affect; and in many cases does affect the way we teach. I have taken several online courses and have noticed that the learning experiences provided by most are geared towards the linguistic learner. For students to be successful in an online environment it is important that different online learning tools are utilized so that their learning experience is maximized. This class allowed us to do that through the utilization of blogs and collaborative tools such as Skype, Elluminate, and Google docs. As I continue through this doctoral program, I hope the other classes utilize more online learning tools.

Module 4 - Connectivism Mindmap

In the past several years, my network has not ony influenced my life personllay, but professionally as well. With the high demands of my job, I am able to stay connected and stay abreast of new trends from any location via my iPhone, iPad, and web conferencing tools such as Skype of Bridgit. Life is a process of daily learning where I am constantly tapping into my network of resources. Prior to developing this network, when I needed to learn about a new topic, I would "google it". Now, I know longer have to solely rely on google, because I have build this network that is comprised of reliable resources and people in specific fields of interest. With all of these technological tools, it can become over whelming at times and I find myself needing to disconnect from the network and power down.

My learning modality is comprised of visual and kinesthetic, therefore any digital tool that allows me to manipulate and visually create a product works best for me. Currently, my favorite digital tool or app to use is Notability. This app allows me to stay a little more organized. I am able to take notes, draw images, embed images, and record audio. These notes can then be organized and I am able to refer back to them when completing assignments.

Another cool app that I just discovered is called MindBlowing. This app allows you to create mind maps via iPhone of iPad.

Module 2 Responses

Module 2 Responses (permalink) -edithistorydelete
Created on Monday, 04/11/2011 9:21 AM by LaKeisha S. Coleman

For Module 2 I've responded to the following classmates:

Andrew - http://mrcsviewfromthetop.blogspot.com/2011/03/cognitivism-as-learning-theory.html

Jamie - http://educ7105learningtheories.blogspot.com/

Cognitivism as a Learning Theory

With all learning theories there are similarities and differences and they build upon one another. This is true of cognitivism and behaviorism.  Cognitivism and behaviorism are similar because they both deal with the behavior of learning. The difference is that behaviorism focuses on the observable changes in behavior as the result of stimulus and cognitivism focuses on the thought process as the result of the behavior.

Both Bill Kerr’s and Karl Kapp’s blogs were very insightful. Sometimes we can fall into the trap of wanting to utilize the most current or popular theory. But it is important to use the theory that is pertinent to the current situation. None of the “isms” will every fully explain how we process information. I definitely agree with Kapp (2007), that we may “need to take the best from each philosophy and use it wisely to create solid educational experiences for our learners”.

This debate on learning theories will be continuous because we all think, interpret, and comprehend information differently and will always have our own points of view. Isn’t this the premise of learning theories?

References

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/

Module 1 Responses

For Module 1, I responded to the following blogs:

Nichelle Middleton: http://middleton8845.wordpress.com/

Maria Rodriguez: http://msrodriguez-design.blogspot.com/2011/03/people-learn-best.html

Blog 1 Learning and Learning Theories

One-size fits all does not apply to education and the way people learn. In 1983, Howard Gardner introduced the multiple intelligence (MI) theory. This theory, just like most, was met with reprehensions. In spite of these reprehensions, this theory revolutionized education because it suggested that all people did not learn the same way and that individuals possess different forms of intelligences. The seven intelligences that he introduced were:

• verbal linguistic – word smart
• logical mathematical – logic smart
• visual-spatial – picture smart
• bodily-kinesthetic – body smart
• musical – music smart
• interpersonal – people smart
• intrapersonal – self smart

I believe that people learn best when the materials are presented in multiple formats. This is what Gardner emphasized with his theory. He shared the need for teachers to teach students according to their learning styles, differentiate instruction. Many teachers still struggle with differentiating instruction because they tend to teach to their learning style because that is what they are comfortable with. I have not only seen this issue in classroom instruction but this is a prevalent issue with online classes. Often the course material is geared more towards the linguistic or auditory learners.

A learning theory “comprises a set of constructs linking observed changes in performance with what is thought to bring about those changes”  (Driscoll, 2005). For an idea or thought to become a theory, three components must be defined: the results, the means, and the inputs. In educational technology, a learning theory will describe how these technologies affect learning and if these technologies have a true impact on learning.

Here are two multiple intelligence self-assessments that I found on the web.

MIQ Smart Profile

Find Your Strengths

References

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

Jackson, A., Gaudet, L., McDaniel, L., & Brammer, D. (2009). Curriculum integration: The use of technology to support learning. Journal of College Teaching & Learning, 6(7), 71-78.

Lazear, D. (2008). MiQ. Retrieved from http://www.davidazeargroup.com/

Literacyworks. (n.d.). Multiple intelligences for adult and education. Retrieved from http://literacyworks.org/.