There where many things that I learned this week about the benefits technology has on learning. Technology can increase student understand and achievement. It can also increase student motivation, encourage students to collaborate with each other, and develop critical thinking skills. Technology also allows teachers to differentiate instruction and meet the needs of students more effectively (Pitler et. al, 2007, pp. 3).
In addition there were several learning theories that were discussed in the videos and readings. These theories are constructivism, connectivism, and Cyborg learning. In constructivism learners build knowledge on past or current knowledge. In this approach students think about what they already know on a topic, search for new information, and then collaborate with others to solve a problem or gain new understanding (Solomon & Schrum, 2007, pp.38). In connectivism a learner makes connections to individuals and to sources of information to gain knowledge (Siemens, 2009). According to Siemens (2009) “knowledge exists external to an individual, that it is a function of a network itself.” Siemens also states that knowledge is rapidly evolving and to stay current we must keep the connections we have with individuals and our current network (Siemens, 2009). In Cyborg learning, technology is used to enhance learning (Warlick, 2009). Cyborgs are a combination of both human and machine. According to this theory, what we know will become less useful, but it will be more important to teach students how to learn (McPheeters, 2009, p. 2).Warlick believes the Cyborg learning will evolve into a chip implanted in the brain where an individual can download and access the information they need (Warlick, 2009).
Abbott, J. (nd). Building Knowledge: Constructivism in Learning. Youtube.com. Retrived on Oct. 5, 2009 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F00R3pOXzuk
Bransford, J. D., Brown, A. L., & Cocking, R. R. (2000). How People Learn: Brain, Mind, Experience, and School (Expanded edition). Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press. Online at http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=6160&page=194
McPheeters, D. (2009, March). Social Networking Technologies in Education, Tech and Learning. Retrieved August 8, 2009 from http://www.techlearning.com/article/16250
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
Siemens, G. (nd). The Changing Nature of Knowledge. Youtube.com. Retrived on Oct. 5, 2009 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMcTHndpzYg
Sprague, D. & Dede, C. (1999). If I teach this way, am I doing my job: Constructivism in the classroom. Leading and Learning, 27(1). Retrieved January 28, 2011 from the International Society for Technology in Education at http://imet.csus.edu/imet9/280/docs/dede_constructivisim.pdf
Solomon, G., & Schrum, L. (2007). Web 2.0: New tools, new schools. Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.
Southwest Educational Development Laboratory, (1999). Learning as a personal event: A brief introduction to constructivism. http://www.sedl.org/pubs/tec26/intro2c.html
Warlick, K. (nd). Cyborg Life. Youtube.com. Retrived on Oct. 5, 2009 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?=RB_l7SY_ngI
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