Module 4 Blog Responses

These are the two blogs that I have responded to for this module.

http://msmomo-educationaltechnology.blogspot.com/
http://martinefanfan.blogspot.com/

Module 4 Blog Connectivism-Mind Map

Usually when I have questions I usually research the Internet or ask others within my network. Learning to connect with others has been a unique learning experience. The digital tools that really help me facilitate learning would include the use of Google Docs, eBooks and blogging. When I was getting my masters degree, I was introduced to eBooks because University of Phoenix used them a lot. It took a lot to get used to EBooks, but through consistent use I adjusted and it really helped me. Blogging gives me the chance to exchange my ideas with others and get feedback. Connecting with others does help learning because learners bring more to the table than just themselves. Learners bring different academic skills, learning styles, technical skills, etc.

Module 3 Blog Responses

These are the two blogs I responded to:

http://blogmitchell-stevens.blogspot.com/
http://sharon-mcdaniel.blogspot.com/

EDUC 7105 Module 3 Blog: Collaboration

I truly do believe that humans have a basic instinct to “interact and work as a group. Examples include businesses and schools. People within these settings have a common goal that creates the idea of communication and collaboration to meet those goals. Based on past experiences and inventions, people have had to work together in groups to live among each other. As stated by Howard Rheinhold (2008), “….human communication media and the ways in which we organize socially have been co-evolving for quite a long time.” Communication is very important is every aspect of life. The constructivist theory focuses on the need for people to collaborate and construct knowledge together. This theory is not new because it just encompasses both views from the behaviorist theory and the cognitive theory.

Technology can facilitate collaboration among learners based on constructivist principles. With the advancement of technology, humans are more able to communicate effectively through cellphones, instant messaging programs like Yahoo messenger, and Skype. People are able to share thoughts and opinions through blogging and wikis. Documents can be shared through Google Docs. All of these technologies create collaboration among learners through the constructivist theories because they can be used to facilitate learning with meaningful connections to real life.

Rheingold, Howard. (2008). Way-New collaboration. Retrieved April 5, 2010 at http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/howard_rheingold_on_collaboration.html