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 Unpublished Paper.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).
