EDLD 5364 week one assignment

EDLD 5364 week one assignment

This week of learning was very informative which allowed me to open my mind to different ways of learning as well as teaching with technology. The videos were great- I enjoyed learning about the learning theories. The Changing Nature of Knowledge video- Computers have dramatically changed the way we learn. “The network becomes the learning”, in saying this he is stating that learners become “attached/accustomed” to their learning devices and data bases. The way in which knowledge is presented models how the individuals learn. Because there are so many different technological vehicles in which we learn, knowledge isn’t strictly derived from one specific source. Knowledge can be found in two different ways, by external and internal neuro network. The internal method is essentially how our mind perceives information while externally is how we “perform” what we have learned and stored up through our internal network. It shows the connections we associate with our knowledge as well as other sources of intellect. The external method is a very controllable factor due the fact that we are able to control our actions much more than how we learn.

Building knowledge: constructivism in learning video- constructivism states that “You never learn anything from scratch.” One already has information and knowledge acquired in their brains, when one sees a “new” idea they simply build upon the new idea with what their minds have already retained. From there the possibilities are endless; one idea leads to another and so forth. Constructivists never see things only objectively, rather they seem them both objectively and subjectively. Everyone perceives information different; therefore each person has a unique style of learning and will not acquire the same information as one person in a particular setting. A teacher’s job should be to take what a student has already learned and help that student reach higher expectations and build upon their learned skills.

Cyborg Life: Kevin Warwick video- Kevin states that the future holds the ability to implant a chip in the brain that will improve one’s memory. He says that humans will want to progress and build upon this chip implanted in the brain. Kevin has implanted in his arm a chip connected to his nervous system- the chip connects to a computer allowing him to send neural signals to control aspects. This video detailed what body implants can do when implanted into the human body. Our brains can be “re-programmed” by these nervous system implants. The human race could be changed substantially through this cyborg race. This sounds like a science fiction movie but could be the future lifestyle for us humans!

The reading was also very beneficial to me enhancing my thought process about technology. Students are so accustomed to using technology that it just makes sense to incorporate technology into the classroom. Communication and collaboration between students and teachers are vital components to make technology work in education. The primary goal of using technology in the classroom is to keep students interested and focused on learning. For most students, learning with technology is more of a “traditional” learning environment. Blogs are excellent vehicles in which to engage teachers and students as well as keep in contact with their colleagues and fellow students. Blogs can be used for teachers to share information with their fellow teachers as well as research certain topics of interest to them. They can also be used to allow students to voice their opinions on various topics or homework assignments.
Technology is the wave of the future and we as educators must stay on top of the latest technology developments so that we may provide the best learning atmosphere possible for our students.