EDLD+5364+Week+1

=**__Week 1__**=

Week 1 consisted of various text, articles and videos for this week. I learned about the three different educational theories, constructivism, connectivism and cyborg. These theories focus on the changing the way educators teach and students learn. Constructivism theorizes that students come with a set of knowledge and embed their new knowledge to the prior learned knowledge. This process is individualized, as each student will use a variety of ways, but not the same ways, to learn new information being provided. Connectivism seems to agree with this but takes it one step further by saying that external connections that students make with other students, people, data, and so on, also impact their learning (Siemens, G., nd).

In both of these theories, the inclusion of technology as a tool to learning is important. Using technology along with a well-designed lesson, “not only increases student learning, understanding and achievement but also augments motivation to learn” (Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K., 2007). Kevin Warwirk, (nd), in his video, //Cyborg Life//, took technology one step further. He proposes that in the future, technology will be implanted into people and that the knowledge will be downloaded into their brain. This method or theory would bring on a lot of controversy I believe.

Aside from the new knowledge bestowed upon me, I found out this week that I will have to dig deep and stay ahead of the game when it comes to my reading. This week part of our assignment was to create a group for the required group project in this course. This is my second time working with a group project via the web. My first experience was a success and I am hoping for the same this go around.

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). //Using technology with classroom instruction that works.//Alexandria,VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Introduction, 1 – 14.

Siemens, G. (nd). //The Changing Nature of Knowledge//. Youtube.com. Retrieved on October 5, 2009 from []

Solomon, G., & Schrum, L.(2007). //Web 2.0: New tools, New schools.//Eugene,OR: International Society for Technology in Education, 7 – 44

Warwirk, K. (nd). //Cyborg Life.// Youtube.com. Retrieved on October 5, 2009 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RB_l7SY_ngI