Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Chapter 2

September 5, 2012

Focus Question: How does technology create student engagement and collaboration?  Students relate to technology much faster than the standard class lecture.  This chapter specifically describes how learning theories have changed and evolved over the years and continue to change.  Utilizing today's technologies inspire creativity and collaboration on all different levels.  Whether its a "learning group" in which students work together on a project through researching the web, finding different on line tools to write, publish and create their work.  This type of collaboration can be done in any class setting where students are engaged and learning from each other.  Any student I have met when they see my Ipad almost always suggest a favorite app etc.  They love to share this knowledge and are captivated by it.  This is one of the best uses in teaching and making it real life.

Tech Tool 2.2: Web resources for accessing and assessing infomation: In the big wide web many people believe everything they read feel if its posted on the web its truth. Over the years, especialy in today's political enviroment I am constantly searching for credit facts. Fact Check www.factcheck.org



I admire this website's mission statement, they even post their donors on the website making this very credible content with no hidden agenda.:

"We are a nonpartisan, nonprofit “consumer advocate” for voters that aims to reduce the level of deception and confusion in U.S. politics. We monitor the factual accuracy of what is said by major U.S. political players in the form of TV ads, debates, speeches, interviews and news releases. Our goal is to apply the best practices of both journalism and scholarship, and to increase public knowledge and understanding."

Summary

This chapter begins with how learning in the classroom using technologies has evolved.  It defines three theories of learning: 1, Behaviorism, 2, Cognitive science and 3, Constructivisim.  The text defines new ways in how teachers communicate with students, different types of students learning using technology.  Using such programs as digital pictures, video, graphic design.  These programs are just a few that lets the power of the students imagination create new and interesting portfolios.  Students are engaged, working together to complete projects and provide feedback for collabrative learning. There are a few approaches to learning; teacher-centered learning which is the classic style of lecturing that is concrete and "black and white". Student-centered learning is more engaging, where the students take part in group activities, engaged discussions, etc.

2 comments:

  1. Another brought my attention to FactChecker via a post - very timely in today's political environment, for sure. Fantastic for critical thinking skills, as well.

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    1. No kidding.... very rarely do I watch tv and when I do even watch news its only bbc. I rather read and listen to light classical music. Does that sound boring?

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