Module 4 Connectivism

Here is my mind map. I couldn't figure out how to make it larger with out it becoming blury. Here is the link to see it better!

http://mywebspiration.com/publish.php?i=490599a258c4

Networking has influenced the way in which students learn by adding resources to the classroom. Students can take virtual field trips to famous land marks such as the Great Wall of China or the Egyptian Pyramids. Without the internet and abundance of classroom computers, students could not do this in the past. Students can learn and review material in new ways. A student can create a wiki to demonstrate their understanding of a concept. The wiki can be a group project where students collaborate with another class in a different state.
I often find that students become board faster with standard notes and lecture. With technology growing, students seem to be more focused on the high pace life. As teachers, I feel that we have to keep up with that. I am constantly trying to find new ways to teach a concept that goes beyond paper and pencil.

I have a smart board in my classroom; and I absolutely love it. I think it is the most valuable technology tool I have. I use it for notes, power points, videos, student work, and more. The students love to work problems out on it; I often use that as a reward for great work. The smart board encompasses so much into one item. Smart Technologies also has an abundance of tools, lessons, and resources available to enhance the smart board. I have become very reliant on mine!

In working on this degree in technology, I have been introduced to many new technology resources. I was not familiar with wiki’s or skype. I had heard of a Blog, but I had never used on before. When I had to complete assignments using these tools, I went to Google and researched how to use them. I found tutorials on what to do and how to do it. When the Smartboard was installed in my classroom, I had no idea how to use it. My students were the ones who showed me the basics until we had a training session.

I responded to Evonie http://evonie-rash.blogspot.com/ and Kiana http://kobysmomsblog.blogspot.com/

Module 3

I think some people are meant to work in a group and others are not. My gifted students are a prime example of introverted students who lack social skills. Many of them are content working by themselves and become anxious when they have to interact with others. For the most part, I feel that people are drawn to work together; I think it is mostly due to the socialization aspect with middle school students. Most of the time, they feed off of interaction and acceptance from their peers. I tend to see that when students are unsure of how to work out a math problem they turn to a peer. Also, when students are completing a project they want positive reinforcement and help from other students. I my experience, students prefer to work together.

I agree that Wikipedia is essentially an online wealth of information; however, some of the information is not accurate. Anyone can post a response on a topic or definition. Regardless of the validity, the post says until someone disputes it. The uneducated person can simply put an opinion on what they think the definition or explanation of a topic is. I am not sold on Wikipedia. I use it occasionally, but I try to back it with credible sources.

I think technology can help people across the globe work together and interact. Students who are studying Egypt can go on a virtual field trip and explore the pyramids. From this exploration, they can formulate their own understanding of the pyramids. Also, students can have video chats with other classrooms that are on the other side of the country or the globe. The internet and technology that now comes with it broadens the horizons of our children.

http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/vlibrary.html
The virtual world of manipulatives is a great online tool for students to play with popular math manipulatives. As classrooms grow, teachers may not have the resources for students to each have pattern blocks, algebra tiles, or tan grams, but with the internet, students can have access to them at any time.

I responded to Kiana http://kobysmomsblog.blogspot.com/
and Ashley Bridges http://bridgesa.blogspot.com/2010/07/module-3-collaboration.html

Module 2 Discussion

After reading the two blogs, a couple of comments stood out to me.

Bill Kerr: Philosopher Daniel Dennett has extended the core correct concept of behaviourism (generate and test) into the inner environment. It's not correct to say that the "theory was abandoned everywhere else". Actions which are followed by rewards are often repeated. Doesn't that make us all behaviourists, despite many excellent critiques of Skinner?

As a nation we fit the generate and test aspect. In GA we have the CRCT which students have to pass in grades 3, 5, and 8 to be promoted. This is essentially reward and punishment. You pass you go to the next grade level; if you fail, you are retained. The state test is said to be a standards test, but when it comes down to it, its not. My students can create graphs all day; the constructivist aspect and standard, then to prepare for the test they have to be able to answer multiple choice questions on it. With all the testing our students do, they are rewarded or punished for their test results; this is behaviourism.

Bill Kerr: It seems to me that each _ism is offering something useful without any of them being complete or stand alone in their own right

I completely agree with this statement. As teachers we find what works best for our content, age, and school. We pick and pull from various resources to help our students understand the content. I teach students to add, subtract, multiply, and divide positive and negative numbers. We go over different ways to look at it and different ways to solve the problem, but before we move on they have drill and practice and memorization. It is imperative for them to know how to do it. A couple of years ago my students weren't getting it. I resorted to old school days of writing out the facts 10 times each and testing until they passed. We do what it takes to get it through their heads.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPYxfj6eanU

I found the above link to be an informative narrated PowerPoint on the basics of behaviorism and the cognitive learning theory. It is a little boring, but has great information!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vq9XIrNGgoQ
This is a great video on the learning theories in action!

http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2007/01/isms-as-filter-not-blinker.html

http://karlkapp.blogspot.com/2007/01/out-and-about-discussion-on-educational.html

EDUC 7105 Module 1

What are your beliefs about how people learn best? What is the purpose of learning theory in educational technology?

As an educator, I have learned that students learn in various ways. I teach 7th grade math and our main focus for the year is positive and negative numbers, also called integers. Students learn to add, subtract, multiply, and divide integers. When the concept is first introduced, students struggle with it. To show them how to add integers, I use a number line, colored tiles, and, a set of rules. Some students need to count on the number line and others need to use the colored tiles to show how a negative and a positive become zero. Then, I have the advanced students who just need a set of rules to tell them what to do.

I like to give my students a test to see what strengths they have and which of the multiply intelligences fits them the best. This gives me an idea of where my students are. I also like to see which kind of learner they are, auditory, visual, or a hands on learner. As teachers, we have to meet the needs of all students. I like to give my students choice and variety when I give notes.

I think students learn best if they are taught in a way that reaches their specific learning styles and incorporates their multiple intelligences. For the most part, in my experience I think students learn best when they use manipulatives and construct their own understanding. If you simply tell a student how to do it and don't give an explanation many will get lost. The students need to practice and understand to be successful.

Here is the link for the multiple intelligence test that I give my students.
http://literacyworks.org/mi/assessment/findyourstrengths.html


The three main learning theories include behaviourism, Cognitivism, and Constructivism. Educational technology encompasses each of these. Educational technology is quite similar to traditional education; the delivery method is different. Educational technology can start out simple and then grow; starting with behaviourism and continuing to cognitivism, finally reaching constructivism where the learner has become independent. When a students first begins using technology they are not completely sure what to do and how to do it. Once they have come out of their box and explore, they can continue in their learning until they create their own ideas and beliefs.

The following link is a great visual representation of learning theory.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vq9XIrNGgoQ

Virtual Learning in the K-12 Sector Video

Here is my video presentation!

Module 5 Discussion

I find myself between static and dynamic. I have the resources to be dynamic. I have a Smart board, clickers, Elmo document presenter, and every manipulative and math game imaginable. I teach at a Title 1 school, and our principal does a wonderful job of making sure we get all the funds in the classroom. Even though I use the technology I have on a daily basic, I don't consider myself a dynamic teacher to its full potential. Just because technology is in the room does not mean you are dynamic. The technology has to be used correctly and used to enhance learning. The students should get something extra from the technology. I can give my same notes on the white board. They don't learn anything extra from my technology use.

I find with my gifted class, I use my dynamic teaching methods. For example the students had to make a scale drawing of the class last week while we were studying scale factors. I gave them a list of objects in the class that needed to be included. I gave them an assortment of materials; all of which they did not need. I told them to come up with a scale factor, and create the classroom. They had a computer to assist if needed. I find with gifted kids, they are better problem solvers and critical thinkers. I can let them do more than the standard teaching and worksheets.

Here is the link to my concept map. After looking at others and graphics it puts mine to shame. I have the content, but it is not a pretty! http://www.slideshare.net/mhtilson/concept-map-mc-cullough-m

Here is a concept map that stood out to me

Kianna's blog:http://kobysmomsblog.blogspot.com/2010/02/static-vs-dynamic-technologies.html

Module 4 Discussion

I think it is important to incorporate technology into the classroom; however, it must be done with planning. Having technology present in the classroom does not suddenly change things; the technology must be implemented correctly. My school is a Title one school and we have an abundance of technology. I like to incorporate technology as much as possible. I teach math, and I have a hard time getting them to understand the importance of studying and completing math homework. I use a comparison to texting, video games, and facebook. They seem to get the connection then. We also use laptops and computers on a weekly basis in each class.

For online learning I focused on the various aspects that I felt were important according to the resources we have explored. Here is a link to my graphic organizer
http://www.slideshare.net/mhtilson/graphic-organizer-module-4-2982805

Collaboration:
1. Wiki: Wikis are a great tool to set up a learning group and a small group. Wikis can be used to organize assignments in class, monitor participation, and small groups.
2. Blogs: Blogs are similar to wikis in their purpose for online learning. One might set up a blog as a journal entry on a topic throughout the course.
3. Learning Groups: Learning groups can be a great resource for students. They can provide help, feedback, and encouragement. Also, learning groups can be used to help break down a large class into smaller groups for learning.
4. Peer Evaluations: Peer Evaluation is a great tool. When working with a group or collaborating on an assignment, students can critic and provide feedback before the instructor grades the final product.
5. Group Projects: Group projects have the potential to be great if everyone participates. With group projects you can collaborate and work with each others strengths to put together the final product.

Content
1. Vodcast: Vodcast are a great tool to present information in another form besides reading out of a textbook. Vodcast also reach the auditory learner.
2. Online Journals and Articles: From the convenience of home, students can look up journals and articles that are relevant to class. This can relive stress of not having to leave home and worry about having a magazine or reference book on your topic.
3. Modules: Modules help break down the course work. It makes it easier and organizes the work for the students.
4. Constructivist Learning: This is key in having students create an understanding instead of leaning by memorization. The student is actually applying it.
5. Relevant to Real Life: In completing this degree, most students are teachers, so the content can be related to the classroom and applied to our personal lives.

Compatibility
1. Choice:Choice is key to accommodating all learners. Each student is different and should be able to choose which method of assessment would best suite them.
2. Rubrics: Rubrics are a great tool to help the learner know if they are completing the requirements of the assignment.
3. Flexibility: Online learning allows flexibility for the student to complete assignments at his/her convenience.
4. Instructor Feedback: Instructor feedback is important to learning. This helps the students know what aspects of the assignment were satisfactory and which parts need improvement.
5. Computer Based: With advances in technology many tasks have become computer based. Online learning utilizes the computer.