The Map:
The Discussion:
Building networks and becoming more
tech savvy has changed my role from a traditional student to an online
student. With the evolution of the web,
I now have access to much more information (Wiley, 2006) that I would have
had at any single library I was associated with in my educational pursuits. Further, some weaknesses are shored up by the
software applications like MS Word and Zotero in making the ideas in my mind
more acceptable in form to others in the scholarly community (Palloff & Pratt, 2005). Having access to this resource makes it more
difficult for one to know all, but allows many more to get what they need as
they need it (Drexler, 2008; Moller, 2008; Siemens,
2008).
The digital tools that best fit me are
those that simplify the educational process.
As a visual learner, I like to be able to see things and creating videos
and power point presentations is a special treat that was not part of the mix
in my secondary and undergraduate years.
I have also become more adept at cooperative learning, having this style
(Resta & Laferrière, 2007) more available through technology and
the reduced cost of technology (example in this course of simply calling and
texting to coordinate collaborative work, the lack of long distance charges
makes that possible).
Searching out the answers I seek can be
fun or overwhelming. When I have a
question I can access resources through searches in the Walden library for
articles, look on the web for answers or even click on the question mark in MS
Word that spawns a search window with access to stored resources on my laptop
or online if connected to the internet (Moller, 2008). When working with
other students on the same project, collaboratively or not, discussing the
options through chats and emails oft times helps me locate a source that I can
use like the example below by Drexler (2008).
References
Drexler, W. (Writer), & Drexler, W. (Director).
(2008). The Networked Student [Motion Picture].
Moller, L. (2008). Static and dynamic technological
tools. Unpublished Paper.
Palloff, R., & Pratt, K. (2005). Collaborating
online: Learning together in community. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Resta, P., & Laferrière, T. (2007). Technology in
Support of Collaborative Learning. Educational Psychology Review, 19(1), 65–83.
doi:10.1007/s10648-007-9042-7
Siemens, G. (2008). Learning and knowing in networks:
Changing roles for educators and designers. ITForum.
Wiley, D. (2006). Open source , openess, and higher
education. Innovate: Journal of Online Education, 3(1).
Jeff,
ReplyDeleteInformation and communication technology is influencing the way individuals think, learn, work, and interact in the global market (Safar, Alqudsi-Ghabra, & Qabazard, 2012). Technology offers a range of software such as inspiration software for effective visual thinking. In my math class, I associate images to words, ideas, and concepts to enable visual learners to understand, organize, analyze information, integrate new knowledge, and think critically.
I used to consider mind mapping as a waste of time. However, as my understanding grew, I realized the use of concept/mind mapping and visual learning/thinking software enable users to show and represent the relationship and connections among concepts. The inspiration software tool helps to generate, store, structure, classify, access, and represent meaningful knowledge. The software is applicable to a wide range of subject matters and across all grade levels (Safar et al., 2012).
Reference
Safar, A. H., Alqudsi-Ghabra, T. M., & Qabazard, N. M. (2012). Use of concept mapping and visual learning software in education at Kuwait University. Education, 132(4), p834-861.
So true Segla. It will be interesting to see how the networked students endure the tropical storm Sandy that is about to hit your area. Will it help or hurt? Will they know what to do when the infrastructure fails, if only temporarily?
DeleteStay safe!
NJS
Jeff,
ReplyDeleteUndoubtedly our society has changed in numerous ways and we would be foolish to think if the constant connectivity most people have now was any different. In fact, I think because people today are constantly connected to information that as teachers we have to ensure that we include teaching how to discern from inaccurate/false information and that which is reliable. Students today need to know how to evaluate information since they are already pros at finding it. Also we need to keep in mind that many of these students have or are growing their own networks so to include that network in the way we teach.
Being a discerning customer of information is always a good thing to be. We as educators need to spend much more time on teaching evaluation and critical scrutiny over information sources and reliability.
DeleteNJS
I agree that those sites that help make learning easier are those that are most beneficial. I agree that working together in groups are made easier by using networking tools such as emails, blogs, and wikis. Networking makes it so much easier to connect to people and expand on ideas. Great blog post I loved your video and mind map.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Evolution of the network and students interaction will be ongoing. We have to develop strategies to be sure we are getting what we need and want, not just some electronic filler or axe grinding!
DeleteNJS