New Technology Reluctance

 

Within the past few months, my organization has implemented a new electronic communication tool designed to provide syllabi, catalogs, newsletters, etc… to our students. When it was first implemented, I thought there would be an overwhelming response and instructors plus administrators alike would value the benefits it would provide to the students. However, it was not embraced as quickly as expected. I have found that many instructors have only become accustomed to using Power Points in their classroom instruction and here we are asking them to use a new technology.

It was not until we made it a requirement that instructors start posting their syllabus and any educational materials to the Portal that it has gained acceptance. Interestingly, instructors that were unwilling to use the product at first , are now happy to have a place to put materials for students to access. It has saved them time and effort that was once spent making copies and going over Power Points. Now there is time in the classroom to interact with the students and go over additional ideas that were not covered previously.

Using Keller’s ARCS model, describe how you could change the motivation of these people, or learners, to encourage success?

First, it is good to understand what the acronym ARC stands for attention, relevance, confidence, and satisfaction (Keller, 2010). The premise of the model is to stimulate and sustain motivation to learn (Keller, 2010).

Attention	Relevance	Confidence	Satisfaction
A1 Perception	R1 Goal Orientation	C1 Learning Requirements	S1 Intrinsic Reinforcement
A2 Inquiry Arousal	R2 Motive matching	C2 Success Opportunities	S2 Extrinsic Rewards
A3 Variability	R3 Familiarity	C3 Personal Control	S3 Equity

Keller (2010) provides examples that are very relevant to my example above. As stated by Keller, many teachers have methods that they have used for years. At times, they may want to use new products and methods, however, they do not have an idea of what to develop. As with students, instructors can lose their motivation. We are the ones that must bring them back and assist with motivating them.

Reference:

Keller, J. (2010). What are the elements of learner motivation? Retrieved electronically from             http://www.arcsmodel.com/Mot%20dsgn%20A%20cate.htm.

Connectivism

How has your network changed the way you learn?

Prior to beginning my endeavor as an Education Technologist, I had an understanding of how networking was important in the field of Business and Finance. However, I did not understand the importance in the field of education. Especially upon the continuation of my studies toward an advanced degree. Sure, in recent years there have been technological developments that assist in our entertainment, however, I do not believe anyone would have thought of the educational impact these tools would have on learning.

Which digital tools best facilitate learning for you?

Tools such as YouTube, Facebook, Google, etc... have changed not only the methods by which we socialize, but also the way we educate ourselves and our students. At my current campus, instructors in our nursing program(s) utilize YouTube regularly. Sure, there is just as much junk on this site as there is on Wikipedia, but if used properly, there is wealthy information.

Sites like Facebook allow students to communicate and collaborate on assignments. Google has many features that are available for communicating, collaborating, and learning. Google Books gives students a quick reference for books that may contain valuable research information and Google Docs allows individuals the chance to share materials with others on one network.

How do you learn new knowledge when you have questions?

If there are materials that I cannot gather from the Walden Library, Google is my next step for researching a topic. Rarely, do I have trouble locating material on this site. If the site does not have specific information, there are times when the site will give me at least a hint toward information needed. As the internet continues to grow and data becomes available, additional sites will become available that will allow us to gather information without stepping foot into a library. Additionally, there could be another internet for us to visit in the future.

Mind Map

The following is a basic mind map that I have created that will allow individuals a chance to see information that I believe follows the field of connectivism. Please feel free to critique and comment on information that is important that I have missed.

Collaboration and Constructivism

Do you believe that humans have a basic instinct to “interact and work as a group,” as Rheingold proposed in his discussion of the evolution of Wikipedia as a collectively developed encyclopedia?

My original answer to this question was simply going to be “NO”. During the past few decades our society has been one of self absortion and selfishness. Many reflect on the Eighties as the “me” decade. I grew up beginning to understand the world during the late Eighties and early Nineties. Since this period in time, I have found that we still live in a “me” society, however, there are changes that continue to occur.

Rheingold (2008) mentions during his 2005 presentation that humans have a tendency to destroy or deplete resources available for consumption. This “tragedy of commons” scenario that de discussed did find groups that have found ways to work around these tragedies and survive. Some might ask, what does this have to do with collaboration in humans?

During the past decade, there has been an increased interest in recycling and working toward renewable energies. I think this is our way of attempting to avoid the “tragedy” that can become.  

How can technology facilitate collaboration among learners based on constructivist principles?

Rheingold (2008) discusses the role that technology has played in how we interact. Desktop computers are our means of communication with the world. Desktops act as a printing press, communication tool, and bank (Rheingold, 2008). He also goes on to discuss how businesses are learning to share information that does not only benefit their organization, but also that of the competition (Rheingold, 2008).

I believe it is important that as our society increases in knowledge, through technology and other resources, new methods of learning will be necessary. Constructivism looks at knowledge that is already instilled within a person. It through experience that individuals grasp the knowledge and gain an understanding of surroundings. As Rheingold (2008) stated, our own interests can be served through shared information and collaboration.

Reference:

Rheingold, H. (2008). Collaboration. Retrieved July 14, 2010 from http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/howard_rheingold_on_collaboration.html

Multiple Learning Theories

What is the best learning theory to use in any classroom environment?

This week our focus has been on cognitivism. In my response to our discussion board, the expression I used to describe the human brain is that of a "computer". However, I wonder if that is an accurate representation of the brain. A computer is a device that unless data is input is useless. Is that the brain?

I do not know that the mind is only shaped by the material that is provided by others, whether it be through visual instruction, textbooks, or even websites. I believe that our mind is also shaped by the experiences we go through on a daily basis. If this is the case, then the best learning theory to use would be behaviorism.

The following links, also blogs, provide additional input from others who have expressed their views on learning theories. Check out the following:

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

I truly wonder if Bill Kerr is accurate when he questions whether we have too many -isms involved in the learning theory (Kerr, 2007). Rather than using the theories together in a learning environment, are we too focused on using one model because it may dictate another. I believe it is important to touch base with all learning styles and not to focus on one model. Any thoughts?

Reference:

Kerr, B. (2007). _isms as filters, not blinkers. Retrieved June 30, 2010 from

          http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2007/01/isms-as-filter-not-blinker.html

Best Learning Theory? Learning Theory in Education Technology?

For this blog, I wanted to use personal experience and an overall belief that people learn best from information presented in the classroom. However, my experience and learning style is not necessarily what works for others. As I conducted research for this evening’s blog, I thought I would find some epic document or presentation that would provide the best learning theory to use in an educational environment. This was not to be. I did find a great article, better yet, a syllabus on “How People Learn: Introduction to Learning Theories”.

Although learning theory has history in philosophy, I do believe that psychology-based learning theories play a primary role in education. Through a psychological approach, objective tests have been conducted over the years to determine the best approach to teaching (Hammond, Austin, Orcutt, and Rosso, 2001). Hammond, et al. (2001) provide the following theorists and their contribution to learning theory:

1.     Edward Thorndike (Stimulus-Response Theory) – People learn through trial and error. Learning is based on association between sense impressions and impulse.

2.     B.F. Skinner (Stimulus-Response Theory and Behaviorism) – Father of modern behaviorism. Further developed stimulus-response and established programmed learning.

3.     Jean Piaget (Cognitive Learning Theory) – Students create knowledge rather than receiving knowledge from the teacher. Students construct knowledge based on experience.

4.     Lev Vygotsky (Cognitive Learning Theory) – Notion of social-cultural cognition, all learning occurs in culture and involves social interaction. Zone of proximal development (ZPD), or the understanding that students learn just beyond the range of existing experience through help from teachers and/or peers.

My beliefs still fall in line with Piaget and Vygotsky; students learn from experience and create knowledge through other individuals. However, Skinner has validity with the approach that positive and negative responses to behavior can increase knowledge.

Learning theories are important, regardless of the delivery system. However, I believe education technology must look at multiple learning theories to be successful. For example:

1.     Discussion Boards – Cognitive and Behaviorism Learning Theories

2.     Quizzes and Tests – Behaviorism Learning Theory

3.     Flash Cards- Stimulus-Response and Behaviorism Learning Theories

There are additional theories and contents of an online environment that have not been addressed. It will be interesting to know others thoughts on this topic. 

The following items have been pulled from YouTube and review different concepts and presentations on Learning Theories: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnnjX9RrGq8&feature=related 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vq9XIrNGgoQ

Reference:

Hammond, Austin, Orcutt, and Rosso. (2001). How people learn: Introduction to learning theories. Retrieved June 16, 2010 from  www.stanford.edu/class/ed269/hplintrochapter.pdf