EDLD+5364+Teaching+with+Technology+Week+1+Part+1+Assignment

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This week we learned about three theories related to teaching with technology. The theories described were called the constructivism theory, the connectivism theory, and cyborg theory (Mason). I found each of these theories interesting and useful as a way to improve the learning process in my classroom. The cyborg theory was one that left me really thinking in regards to what can potentially develop in regards to technology over time. =====

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The learning theory called //constructivism// is based on the premise that learners begin with what they know about a subject, topic, or item. This theory was developed by Vygotski and says a learner gains new information from instruction, through reading, hearing, or collaborating about the new information. The learner adds to his or her personal baseline knowledge and creates new knowledge; also known as constructing new knowledge. The //connectivism// learning theory regards learning as more complex than just constructing knowledge within an individual. George Siemens discusses how learners create connections between various sources of information; and this process is a continual one. He goes on to explain that we gain knowledge internally as an individual learner as well as what we can learn from interactions with external networks such as human social interactions and technology-based databases (Mason). Examples were given about how various educators apply these theories to their classroom instruction. I especially enjoyed the example shared with teacher Elizabeth Adrian and her use of a PDA to download information into a database in regards to student learning, progress, and behaviors. Information could be reviewed, shared, and updated easily. Student learning could be specialized and therefore more successful (Sprague). Lastly, the third theory that was explained was called the //cyborg// theory that discusses the way humans and machines interact. One futurist by the name of Ray Kurzweil predicts that the melding of humans and technological devices will have tremendous implications for education. I have to say I found this somewhat interesting and disturbing at the same time. He suggests that humans should be able to update their memory. He predicts that humans will one day be able to have chips implanted to where they can process information in 10 dimensions instead of 3 dimensions. He continued to explain that normal humans will be left behind if they don’t have this capability. Ray went so far as to insert sensors into his body and his wife’s body to see how they could indeed communicate with sensors instead of just verbal communication (Warwik). =====

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Each of these learning theories were interesting to learn about this week. I can relate to each of these theories, and hopefully better my classroom instruction with the information that was presented. When I add to student knowledge or reflections, I am able to add to their learning and success. In most instances I can see results that are positive. Current events are really useful as students may or may not be aware of situations, and we can then relate the information to what we are studying in the classroom. I am curious about the cyborg theory as the unknown can be frightening. What will people do with this information or equipment? I hope more research is conducted before this theory reaches my classroom and life in general. =====

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Sprague, D. & Dede,C. (1999). If I Teach This Way, Am I Doing My Job: Constructivism in the Classroom. Leading and Learning, 27(1). =====