Module 4-Connectivism Mind Map

How has your network changed the way you learn?

     The network has changed the way I learn by allowing me to connect and interact with family, friends, instructors, and colleagues all over the world.  The network has further extended my knowledge and skills to readily available resources which is accessible at any time.  According to Siemens (2004) accurate and updated knowledge is the intent of all connectivist learning activities.  The network has made it possible for me to learn a new skill or program and transform that information by sharing/training that knowledge to other colleagues. 

 

•Which digital tools best facilitate learning for you?

   The digital tools that best facilitate my learning for educational purposes are:  blogs, wikis, podcasts, social networks, Walden Library, Youtube, TeacherTube, ProQuest, and chat rooms.  For work (First Grade Teacher) I enjoy using the SmartBoard, document cameras, projectors, iPads, laptops, LeapFrog, and other educational software purchased by the school.

•How do you learn new knowledge when you have questions?

   When I have questions, I usually use Google Search, e-mail instructors or classmates, text books, Google Books, or other guided materials. When I first started to pursue my college education, there were many questions to be asked about college algebra.  If I did not have the instructor, principal, and lead teacher to answer certain algebra questions, I would not have made it through college algebra.  Asking questions can open up the process of solving any equations. J

Reference:

Siemens, G. (2004). Connectivism: a learning theory for the digital age. Retrieved from: http://elearnspace.org/Articles/connectivism.htm

I responded to:

Christina Ransey   http://transeyeduc7105.blogspot.com/

Clarice Mims         http://cmedoc.blogspot.com

 

Module 3 Assignment-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?

My belief is that humans do have a basic instinct to interact and work as a group.  The students in my class have learned to create teams in discussions and debate where there is no absolute wrong answer but meaningful ideas and collaboration to create critical thinking skills as a group.  According to Palloff and Pratt (2005) “when working in small groups, teams, or even on the discussion board of an online course, the ability to create knowledge and meaning is enhanced”; “a systematic set of activities that build on each other and scaffold learning, collaborative projects, or complex activities that demand that students use multiple skills—all learning style or tapped”; and “Collaborative activity enables students to construct their own knowledge and apply prior experiences and their own culturally preferred ways of knowing to the task.”  We all have the ability to work as a group.  Some students may be more vocal and some may lack participation but in the end they all have something to say or add to the group.  Whether it’s a brief experience or your group chanting you on, your opinion does have a lasting effect on the group.  

  

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

Technology can facilitate collaboration among learners based on constructivist principals by enabling the learner to interact with peers around the world.  Social blogs, wikis, and online data bases are all ways of sharing information throughout the worldwide internet.  Palloff and Pratt (2007) stated that the use of technology “needs encouragement and support” and “provides the participant with a foundation for future learning experiences.” Technology facilitates collaboration in such a broad arena, that it helps learners to create inevitable experiences.  

•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.

The following research studies and links are in support of collaboration as a tool for learning.  The links can be accessed through Walden’s Library.

Akpinar, Y., & Bal, V. (2006). Student tools supported by collaboratively authored tasks: the case of work learning unit. Journal of Interactive Learning Research, 17(2), 101-119. Retrieved from: http://ezp.waldenulibrary.org/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eric&AN=EJ726329&site=ehost-live&scope=site

Wang, S., & Hsua, H. (2008). Reflections on Using Blogs to Expand In-Class Discussion. Techtrends: Linking Research And Practice To Improve Learning, 52(3), 81-85. Retrieved from:  http://ezp.waldenulibrary.org/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eric&AN=EJ803601&site=ehost-live&scope=site

Reference:

Palloff, R. M., & Pratt, K. (2005). Collaborating online: learning together in community. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Palloff, R. M., Pratt, K., & Palloff, R. M. (2007). Building online learning communities: effective strategies for the virtual classroom. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

I responded to:

Charee Hampton   http://chareehampton.blogspot.com/

Christopher Cannon       http://www.chrisotphercannon.blogspot.com/