Reading the materials from this course led me to discover new information on how I learn. In week 1, based on the readings from Ertmer and Newby and from past experiences, I wrote that my primary learning mode is behaviorism. Although I still utilize the simplicity of observable behaviors and the effectiveness of reinforcements for my own learning and benefits, I realized that I also learn, and have learned, from other theories. Reading about the Constructivist and Social Learning Theories gave me my "a-ha" moment for this course.
According to Ertmer and Newby, the constructivist theory "equates learning with creating meaning from experience, "(pg. 62). The journal article also mentioned that what's true for an individual may not be true to others. These two elements of the constructivist theory, previously unknown to me, explain specific learning I have experienced before. Part of my multiple subject credential program introduced me to strategies on how to teach and reach students with special needs. Although the information presented made sense, I was not able to internalize the meaning and the importance of the strategies until I was experiencing it. Even though I learned the information about a year before my experience, the meaning wasn't constructed until I was put in that situation. My experience working in a Title I school also led me to believe the point of view that working in a low income community is more difficult than working for a more affluent community true. Teachers on the opposite end might see my statement false, but in reality we are all correct...an example of constructivist theory.
According to Beaumie Kim, in social learning theory the learners build knowledge during social process and when participants are engaged in social activities. This learning was especially true for me during my two years in BTSA. The after school sessions that were conducted once a month provided the participants the opportunities to learn from support providers through small groups, informal, and formal conversations. Such social activities also gave me the chance to extend my skills by interacting with more knowledgeable members of that particular environment, an important element of the social learning theory.
Technology plays an important role in my learning due to the fact that it is a part of my professional, educational, and personal life. For my learning, the primary role of technology is to search for the most useful and reliable information, anywhere and anytime, without wasting valuable time. According to Lim "Internet technologies allow learners to access up to date information anywhere and anytime" (pg. 16), and this statement is highly applicable to me. I find myself constantly searching for information through my phone, or connecting to a wi-fi in a coffee shop, in able to do so, and with the goal of accomplishing it in acceptable time. The main key is for the information to be useful and reliable, and I believe that such efficiency comes with time, practice, and guidance from knowledgeable peers and professors.
Technology also assists me to store my learning. Being able to access a library without worrying about getting there, or closing time, led me to search and use more information for my learning. Having the ability to store huge amount of outputs from the internet, and take the information with me where ever I go without carrying a single piece of paper, has impacted my learning significantly. 21st century technology also enables me to manipulate the stored information by organizing them in a manner that would allow me to retrieve them in seconds.
Ruther Romey
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Connections to Facilitate Learning
Working on this application made me realized the connections and resources I constantly use, and the ones I don't use enough, to facilitate my learning. As I was composing my mind map I discovered that I don't take advantage of the printed materials that are available for my benefit that could assist me with my learning, and even with my profession. Publications such as California Educator and NEA were previously used by me for leisure reading, but paying more attention to the articles this week, I realized that the topics are something I should be more aware of.
My network changed the way I learn because it connects me to other resources that supplements and complements my skills and knowledge. Whatever skills and knowledge that I lack, or need to improve on, my network provides me with guidance and support. For example, when I first received my SmartBoard I had no assistance on my site because I was the first one to get the device, but through a posting I put on the district website, I received the support I needed from teachers who work at different school sites. With the new skills I acquired I will be able to help teachers on my site who will soon get their SmartBoard. Based on the support and skills I need to improve, my network also changed the way I learn because my sources enable me to organize and map out who I need to collaborate with.
The best digital tool that facilitates my learning is the World Wide Web. Just like some of my peers, I do my work when family responsibilities are satisfied, which could be late in the evening or early in the morning. During those hours my human network are most likely not available, hence I rely on tutorials from youtube, Walden site, and specific blogs to assist me with my learning. For example, I worked on my mind map at around 5:30 A.M. and my wife was still asleep to assist me with the file conversion, so I relied on my e-resources to complete the needed task.
When I have questions I gain the knowledge by using at least 3, or all of 4, of my network resources. The order in which I use my network to gain that knowledge depends on the topic, complexity, and the degree of accuracy I need. When I have questions about a literacy strategy I would want to first gain that knowledge from my human network, then e-resources, and finally from printed materials.
My personal network supports the tenet of connectivism by utilizing "technology, social networks, and information" (Siemens). Also according to Siemens, "So much of our work is distributed. Our knowledge literally is distributed across other networks of human beings, technological devices, and other ends" and my network is set up where I am a learner, while also providing support to others.
My network changed the way I learn because it connects me to other resources that supplements and complements my skills and knowledge. Whatever skills and knowledge that I lack, or need to improve on, my network provides me with guidance and support. For example, when I first received my SmartBoard I had no assistance on my site because I was the first one to get the device, but through a posting I put on the district website, I received the support I needed from teachers who work at different school sites. With the new skills I acquired I will be able to help teachers on my site who will soon get their SmartBoard. Based on the support and skills I need to improve, my network also changed the way I learn because my sources enable me to organize and map out who I need to collaborate with.
The best digital tool that facilitates my learning is the World Wide Web. Just like some of my peers, I do my work when family responsibilities are satisfied, which could be late in the evening or early in the morning. During those hours my human network are most likely not available, hence I rely on tutorials from youtube, Walden site, and specific blogs to assist me with my learning. For example, I worked on my mind map at around 5:30 A.M. and my wife was still asleep to assist me with the file conversion, so I relied on my e-resources to complete the needed task.
When I have questions I gain the knowledge by using at least 3, or all of 4, of my network resources. The order in which I use my network to gain that knowledge depends on the topic, complexity, and the degree of accuracy I need. When I have questions about a literacy strategy I would want to first gain that knowledge from my human network, then e-resources, and finally from printed materials.
My personal network supports the tenet of connectivism by utilizing "technology, social networks, and information" (Siemens). Also according to Siemens, "So much of our work is distributed. Our knowledge literally is distributed across other networks of human beings, technological devices, and other ends" and my network is set up where I am a learner, while also providing support to others.
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