Module 6: Learning in a Digital World

Technology has changed the way we learn, communicate, and live.  Prior to my experience in the online environment, I used technology only to research or surf the web for personal uses and play around at my leisure.  In my experiences in the traditional face to face environment, technology was only used via the computer to complete assignments and do research.  My experiences in the online environment and the recent push to incorporate technology into the classrooms have led me to experience numerous tools to use to collaborate, communicate, and learn with various people and without time constraints.  I have recently learned to use tools such as blogs, wikis, and other programs to enhance learning for myself as well as my students.

My personal philosophy of learning is that learning in today’s digital society is practically impossible without technology.  I think the connectivism explains the way we learn in this digital era.  Siemens (2009) states that learning is the act of connecting to other people or to data and other information sources.  Students are exposed to a variety of information through immediate access to the Internet.  Students are also using a multitude of technology tools on a daily basis outside of the classroom.  The role of the educator today is to assist learners in forming diverse networks (Laureate Education, Inc, 2009).  Technology use in today’s classroom is critical and an absolute non-negotiable when ensuring student success and preparing them for a future in a digital and global society.

References

Laureate Education, Inc., (Executive Producer). (2009). Connectivism Learning Theory. [Video webcast].   Retrieved from            http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=6509858&Survey=1&47=            9580570          &ClientNodeID=984645&coursenav=1&bhcp=1

Other Comments

http://suzannereaidsscholarsblog.blogspot.com/2012/05/mod-6-my-philosophy-of-learning-it-is.html?showComment=1338130047531#c2377262665839365652

http://decdr.blogspot.com/2012/05/learning-in-digital-world.html?showComment=1338130389793#c546230370187955533

Module 5: New Technologies

I don't personally have a situation where I introduce some form of technology and didn't receive any resistance to using it.  One of the recent situations that I experienced was utilizing wikis and prezis in my STEM classes.  I actually mentioned to one of my colleagues that I had used these tools in my online class and thought it was something that could be used in our classes.  She was very interested in learning about the new technologies and we immediately looked at how we could use them effective for our students in an upcoming assignment.  As a result of her interest, we had our students use prezi to present their findings following a webquest on energy sources and she and the students loved it.  It also sparked some interest in other teachers because the students were eager to show off what they had learned and created in their other classes.  I would definitely say that using Keller's ARC model to introduce new technologies is a good starting point to get buy-in from those now familiar or wanting to do more with technology.  Gaining and sustaining attention, enhancing relevance, building confidence, and generating satisfaction are keys to getting individuals motivated to learn new things.


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

Other comments:
http://jygreensblog.blogspot.com/2012/05/module-5-new-technologies.html#comment-form

http://decdr.blogspot.com/2012/05/new-technology.html#comment-form

http://anwar-mohammad.blogspot.com/