EDLD 5364 Teaching with Technology Course Reflections

The Universal Design for Learning platform provided such much needed guidance for this week’s and next week’s assignment.  From pursing sample lessons and experimenting with the CAST book builder website, I was able to reflect on my own lesson planning and clearly see the aspects that I need to pay more attention to when creating lessons for my students.  According to brain research presented by the CAST UDL Lesson Builder there are three networks that play a major role in the way people learn, Recognition, Strategic and Affective networks.  Recognition networks are described as the “what” of learning, and beg the question of how learners gather, identify and categorize facts.  Strategic networks are described as the “how” of learning and questions how learners express and present internalized information.  Affective networks are described as the “why” of learning and concern itself with levels of engagement and the motivation of learners.

I need to approach each lesson that I create with these three brain networks in mind.  I think that this will help me to differentiate instruction, keep students engaged and explore new tools and strategies to introduce in the classroom.  

Lessonbuilder.cast.org (nd). Principles of Universal Design for Learning. Retrieved from http://lessonbuilder.cast.org/window.php?src=videos

EDLD 5364 Teaching with Technology Course Reflections

This week’s focus is on the learning theories of constructivism, connectivism and the Cyborg learning. Constructivism maintains that learning occurs through referencing one’s previously learned material, reflecting upon it and as a result, forming new knowledge. Connectivism relies on the notion that learning occurs through the exchange of information through networks, further asserting that knowledge is constantly changing. Cyborg learning contends that technological advances are an extension of human thought and expression, emphasizing the importance of discovery as opposed to understanding (McPheeters 2008). While I imagine that constructivism and connectivism are theories that educators employ in the classroom, Cyborg learning not only fascinated me but also scared me. In its asserted connection between human and machine, the Cyborg learning theory radically challenges the idea of the traditional classroom. By arguing that technology is an extension of human thought, the repercussions for the field of education are truly immense. It demands for a complete shift in thought that calls for a synchronous relationship between man and machine. Educators will have to jettison traditional modalities and embrace the notion that they are no longer the gate keepers of knowledge. Moreover, curriculum will have to be completely overhauled to reflect the new emphasis of student discovery and practicum. With demands such as these, the field of education is sure to change with many critics. 

McPheeters, D. (2008, December).Cyborg school nation. Tech and Learning, 29(8).Retrieved from http://www.techlearning.com/features/0039/cyborg-school-nation/45504

EDLD 5363 Web Conference December 16th

As our team finished up the final touches on our project, questions came up regarding what to submit, our actual due date and other important details that would ensure the success of our project. I used the transcript from the December 16th web conference to clarify some points of contention with my team members. I had almost forgotten to use the transcripts as an additional resource!

EDLD 5363 Web Conference November 19th

This was the one web conference that I was able to attend with my peers. I didn't participate in a great deal of discussion, but I was pleased that I attended because it gave me the opportunity to form a group and exchange contact information with my new group members. Also, Dr. Abernathy let us know some important information about due dates for our final project as well as other things to expect in the coming weeks.

EDLD 5363 Web Conference November 18th

I was a bit nervous about this course after viewing the blogs and e-portfolios of previous students, so I was very happy to learn during this web conference, that not only would there be several more web conferences to get additional information, but also that we would be working in groups. The idea of working with others makes everything better!

Multimedia and Video Technology Web Conferences

Attending and reading through the web conferences provided a frame of reference for completing our video production process. I didn’t necessarily see the benefit of attending them until my group members and I had questions about certain portions of the project. I was able to recall information from one of the conferences and then verify the information from the conference transcript to answer our questions. So in the end, the conferences were not just a way to familiarize myself with my cohorts, but provided valuable information that I can attribute to the success of our final video.

Tech Talks Episode 1

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