Moduel 5: New Technologies

For the past five years, I have taught in a school district that is conservative in its approaches to addressing the needs of its students. Interestingly, the student population is predominantly low socioeconomic. This school year the district changed the three main systems used by teachers; the grade book, lesson plans, and attendance. These three vital systems are now web-based. The thought of technology for some teachers is frightening. However, integration of technology is unavoidable. I think the systems are a good way to ease teachers into using technology. Teachers will have to access the systems everyday, which will allow them to get comfortable with daily use of technology and build their self-efficacy.

Throughout my school, I have encountered mixed attitudes. Some teachers constantly complain about having to use technology, while others joyfully embrace technology. As a student of Ed Tech, I feel obligated to assist with the integration of technology. The first initiative I have proposed is within my department. I proposed using podcast to introduce and summarize each unit we teach. In relation to Keller’s ARCS model, I think podcast will be a good start to integrate technology in the classroom. The first step is to use inquiry arousal. This is done by finding out which teachers are serious about integrating technology in their lessons. The next step is modeling (Learning Theories Knowledgebase, 2010) how to do a podcast. The suggested approach is to meet after school with the interested teachers and view various podcast. The third step, to build confidence, is to allow the teachers to create their own podcast. By creating the podcast after school, teachers are able to develop their technology skills with out the pressure of district demands. Also, in the after school setting teachers are more relaxed and can share positive feedback with one another. Keller’s ARCS model is an appropriate approach for helping integrate technology in schools, especially when helping teachers integrate technology in lessons.


Reference:

Learning Theories Knowledgebase (2010). ARCS model of motivational design (Keller) at learning-theories.com. Retrieved from http://www.learning-theories.com/kellers-arcs-model-of-motivational-design.html

Moduel 4

Connectivism as a learning theory has helped facilitate my learning. Through the use of networks I have been able to develop a personal learning environment that continues to grow. As an educator, I think it is important that universal and global connections are created. Global interdependence is what the digital age is fostering and for me it provides a platform to help become an independent scholar.

Moduel 3

“And in this age of interdependence the development problems of any country are affected, directly or indirectly, by a crisis in any other place” (Selassie, 1969, p. 197). This quote helps to synthesize the discussion of collaboration. Haile Selassie had a vision of global interdependence. His vision was for world peace and collective security through all nations working together to resolve each other’s problems.

Howard Rheingold in the 2008 TED video, “Howard Rheingold on Collaboration” (http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/howard_rheingold_on_collaboration.html), provides an example of how collaboration helped the evolution of human communication and social interaction. He takes the viewer on a historical journey of economic thought and practice. Rheingold uses the power of modern technology to illustrate how humans went from being hunter gathers, to subsistence farmers, and then to communities exchanging in modern commerce.

His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I sound the trumpet of collaboration and now in the 21st century Howard Rheingold is using modern technology to report the echo.

References:

Rheingold, H. (2005, February). Howard Rheingold on collaberation [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/howard_rheingold_on_collaboration.html

Selassie, H. (1972). Speech from the throne (1969). Important utterances of H.I.M Emperor Haile Selassie I 1963-1972 (p. 197). Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: The Imperial Ethiopian Ministry of Information.

Learning Theories

The blog discussion between Karl Kapp and Stephen Downs (http://karlkapp.blogspot.com/2007/01/out-and-about-discussion-on-educational.htm )is a great example of how technology has influenced how people think, learn, and communicate. As I read the discussion, I reflected on how much technology forces humans to expand their thinking. For instance, whether one prefers behaviorism or cognitivism it is necessary to study and understand both. Behaviorism worked to establish the institutions of its time. On the other hand, cognitivism helped raise additional questions and created alternative solutions. Furthermore, technology is providing the medium to “connect” the dialogue. Therefore, learning theories give us parameters to explore our thought processes.

Bill Kerr (2007) in his response blog (http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2007/01/isms-as-filter-not-blinker.html) helps bring the discussion of behaviorism and cognitivism to a common ground. Kerr (2007) asked the question, “Should we stick to -isms or should we be more pragmatic and just cherry pick different useful ideas out of the various theories?” Cherry picking from various theories can be a pleasing start. The behaviorist theory helps us better understand the role environment plays in learning. The cognitive learning theory provides a theoretical platform to explore how people learn. When using the best practices from each theory, we are able to view learning through a double-pane window.

References:

Kapp, K. (2007). Kapp Notes: Out and About: Discussion on Educational Schools. Retrieved from http://karlkapp.blogspot.com/2007/01/out-and-about-discussion-on-educational.htm

Kerr, B. (2007). Bill Kerr: _isms as filter, not blinker. Retrieved from http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2007/01/isms-as-filter-not-blinker.html