Module 6

Module 6: Learning in a Digital World

Module 6-Blog Post Discussion

What is my philosophy of learning?

My philosophy of learning is that the belief of Driscoll (2005).  According to Driscoll belief “Constructivist learning is when students are actively engaged in using problem-solving and their critical thinking skills (p. 387).  Knowledge should be constructed by the students by evaluating their ideas, using their inspiration, and making use of their former knowledge.  The learning must be significant and comparative to their real world circumstances.  More time to think and perform in real life difficulties is not necessary.  What is needed is successful interactive experiences that motivate and enthusiastically engages learners in the learning process.

What do I believe is critical and non-negotiable in the teaching and learning process?

What I believe is critical and non-negotiable in the teaching and learning process in this 21^st century is technology.  When technology is executed properly it allows the opportunity for teachers and students to exhibit their inventiveness in learning and use of their own thought process.  In the 21^st century we are driven by technology and with its usage learners value applying the proper technology expertise or strategies while using it.  It is believed that teaching is based on the principle that learning happens when learners are actively engaged in a technique where meaningful knowledge is constructed.  In this era a teacher is not seen as the authority figure with all the answers to every inquiry.  The teacher is the facilitator of instructions and while he or she is facilitating, learning occurs for the both the facilitator and the student.  They are both learners, learning from each other.

References:

Driscoll, M. (2005). Psychology of learning for instruction (3^rd ed.). Boston: Pearson Education. Inc.

Blogs I responded to:

http://rashidabrown.wordpress.com/

http://ylyonstechnology.blogspot.com/2012/05/module-6-blog-yolanda-lyons-when-it.html#comment-form

Module 5-Blogs Commented On

Blogs commented in Module 5:

http://ylyonstechnology.blogspot.com

http://lauralee7105.blogspot.com/

http://vidamartin7105.blogspot.com/

Blog Post –Module 5

It is my belief that whatever you introduce anything new one of two things will happen.  There will be some that will accept and some that will reject.  Usually the ones who reject are closed minded are have low self-efficacy.   

At one point in my teaching tenure I was the person who rejected using the Promethean Board.  It had taken me such a long time to use the computer.  After being told I would either use it or seek other employment, you know my only option was to use it.  The fear that I had was that I would wipe out everything.  That is why I rejected its use.  The Promethean Board was just too much for me to digest all at one time.  I received a year of training in 3 hours.  Sometimes we are so overwhelmed and like children we shut down completely.  The entire school year I used the Promethean Board as a chalkboard.

The following school year the technology “geek” which was my team member and friend starting showing me different ways he was using the board in class.  He had some interesting lessons that he was using and the student were so motivated to learn.   The lessons were teacher directed but student driven.  Not only that, test scores began to improve.  I developed an interest in using the board.  He then stayed after school with me for 30 minutes each day for about 3 months.  This is when I began to embrace technology.  Based on my experience I would say due to the low self-efficacy I was not willing to embrace technology.

The motivational ARC Design Process as presented by Keller is an awesome tool for introducing content and technology.  This tool is stimulating and perpetual. Motivation is a powerful tool but it works in different ways for different people.  Knowing this helps instructors become better, creates better relationships with learners, and they enjoy learning even more.  I would integrate the ARC Design Process in my lesson plans and instructional goals to implement motivational tactics.  This could be very beneficial for new teacher or a person with low self-efficacy.

http://.arcmodel.com/home.htm