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

EDUC 7105 Module 2 Blog

After reading through the conversations with Bill Kerr, Stephen Downs and Karl Kapp, I tend to agree with Kerr about all the –isms. There seems to be potential for all the different learning theories in education. No one theory can uniquely explain how we learn, if so then we would definitely not have as many beliefs as we do.

I personally believe that we learn through cognitivism but can see the aspects of behaviorism in the respect to stimulus and response and constructivism in respect to problem solving and creativity. We have to be susceptible to change and understand that all theories cannot whole-heartedly explain every aspect of the way we learn. As stated by Kerr (2007) in reference to –isms, “They evolve, they listen to criticism and move on.”

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 Blog

I believe people learn best through the cognitive learning theory. The cognitive theory views the learner as active, constructive and playful. It attempts to learn the internal process of behavior and emphasize knowing rather than responding (Saettler, 2004). I believe the cognitive theory helped to develop learning strategies. The basis of this theory relies on the fact that prior knowledge is important for students to learn. As stated by Siemens (2004), factors that influence learning in the cognitive theory are existing schema and previous experiences.

The purpose of learning theory in educational technology is to determine what methods by which we can use technology to accurately promote learning. Even though there are a number of learning theories in education, the Cognitive learning theory is most useful in the 21st century because of the advancement of technology. The cognitive theory closely relates the symbolism of how the brain works to how a computer works. This is very important in the 21st century being that at certain grade levels (years) in a student’s education, it is assumed that they know certain academic facts to build on for the next year.

Saettler, P. (2004). The evolution of American educational technology. Greenwich, CT: Information Age Publishing.

Siemens, G. (2008, January 27). Learning and knowing in networks: Changing roles for educators and designers. Paper presented to ITFORUM. Retrieved March 8, 2010 from http://it.coe.uga.edu/itforum/Paper105/Siemens.pdf

Module 6 Blog Assessing Collaborative Efforts

This is the link to my video presentation on Learner Engagement.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9T-iBYN9v0

Module Blog 5: Moving Toward Dynamic Technologies

Here is the link to my Mind Map:
http://clee387.wikispaces.com/EDUC+7102

“The middle-of-the-road approaches allow learners to interact with the content” (Moller, 2008). I really do think I am in the middle of the static-dynamic continuum. I already use blogs, wikis, discussion boards and videocasts in furthering my education. In my classroom where I work, I also use Smartboards, digital cameras, podcasts and various software programs with my students.

As stated by Leslie Moller (2008),” The dynamic end of the interactivity continuum includes tools that involve learners on a much deeper cognitive level. ” I can begin to move toward the dynamic end by first learning more about the different kinds of technology that are constituted as being dynamic. I can also incorporate some of these technologies into my classroom with my own students. Consistently using them will make it more easier to manage and teach to the kids.


Moller, L. (2008). Static and dynamic technological tools. [Unpublished Paper].