Module 6 Digital Learning

Digital Learning

I am very familiar with digital learning having completed most of my graduate level work online.  I can also recall my face to face interactions in the classroom.  I needed the actual time management necessary to attend classes, but have needed the flexibility that asynchronous learning allowed as well.  I am a very busy procrastinator and have a slew of important distractions that require me to put off coursework until a more suitable time allows.  However, that time NEVER comes!  LOL  My understanding was only surface deep in face to face interactions because I didn’t have to participate, I could daydream, write shopping lists, etc. and read a chapter later and respond in homework.  However, online learning has a place for everyone to participate, offer their ideas and provide questions to clear up misconceptions.  I also like how everyone is able to see my understanding in my context so when they respond I can truly take their advice or comment to heart because they “know” me and understand my needs.  In face to face interactions the resources were very limited due to time to showcase.  Online learning offers a variety of resources that helps the learners meet the needs of the expectations or standards and the learner is able to view them all or pick and choose what suits them best; video resources, websites, research articles, books, etc.

My philosophy of learning hasn’t changed much.  I still believe all students can learn when we take the time to get to know EACH student in a way that we know what drives them, interests them, motivates them, and we understand where they come from so we can meet them where they are and fully explain to them where we WILL take them.  In a lot of circumstances the connectivist theory will meet them there since they are comfortable networking and learning via technologies.  I will say that my philosophy on teaching definitely needs to make some adjustments to line up better with my philosophy of learning.  Due to time constraints, I have not fully adopted the connectivist line of thinking when it comes to my students and my classroom.  I look forward to that balance coming very soon!! 

 

I responded to the following blogs:

http://danitaspot.blogspot.com/2012/11/digital-learning.html#comment-form

http://dorotheanelson.blogspot.com/2012/11/my-philosophy-of-learning.html?showComment=1353817881504#c5016552698991978648

 

Module 5 New Technologies

New Technologies

I am currently in various trainings to implement CANVAS Instructure, a new learning management system, with my fourth graders.  I am the ONLY teacher in the school of 28 homerooms that will attempt to do so.  My district is really excited about this implementation and it has been really easy for middle and high school teachers to transition.  However, they are trying to select a few elementary teachers to pilot the LMS in order to help with apprehension.  I commend the system for doing that, because OMG, if they brought this to the elementary school and had a whole group meeting saying this is where WE ARE going…there would be some angry, disgruntled teachers!! 

Back to my training, they captured my attention (A) by showing me how much of a 21^st century approach this would be for our students.  They showed me how relevant (R) this would be for my teaching, their learning, and parents involvement.  I am currently stuck on the confidence (C) portion of Keller’s ARCS model (Driscoll, 2005).  I have not seen enough training to understand exactly how to get started so therefore I am already overwhelmed.  In this fast pace world of teaching, we have no time to learn something new.  It has to be quick, painless, and seamless in order for teachers to be able to make a successful go of anything new.  I believe now the district should offer me a day of training to get started and build my confidence up.  Then, by troubleshooting through beginning efforts they would be able to generate satisfaction (S) from me.  ;)  

I am excited about this for my classroom and I am committed to make it successful, I am just nervous at this stage in the game.  

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

 

I responded to the following blogs:

http://dwedtech.blogspot.com/2012/11/obviously-use-of-technology-within.html?showComment=1353813428095#c7919716049810308086

http://ktino1.wordpress.com/2012/11/11/arcs-from-atttention-to-satisfaction/#comment-31