EDLD+5364+Week+1+Reflection

Teaching with Technology - I've been looking forward to this class because it is why I decided to pursue this degree. During this first week, I explored three theories of learning: Constructivism, Connectivism and Cyborg. I quickly learned that the theory I with which I feel most comfortable is the Constructivist Theory. According to this theory, learning is built on prior knowledge and experience. In my district, most of the staff development uses this model. It seems only natural to introduce a new concept by building on the prior knowledge.

The other two theories, Connectivism and Cyborg had a more futuristic feeling to me. Connectivists believe that knowledge is available through networks - much like learning more about a subject by clicking on a hyperlink. We don't have to retain a great deal of knowledge, but rather be able to retrieve and grow knowledge by networking. I can easily relate to this theory in regards to recall of facts or numbers. For example, with so much information available at my fingertips, it is no longer necessary to memorize everything - like phone numbers. However, I have a hard time understanding how real, internalized knowledge is created this way. Perhaps I don't fully understand the theory.

The most futuristic of them all - Cyborg Theory - refers to the integration of human knowledge and knowledge created through technology. Initially, this one was just creepy to me. Then, I realized that the future is now! With electrodes attached to muscles, a person's brain can control a prosthetic leg or arm; cochlear implants send sound waves to the brain, which translate them into sound. It is not out of the realm of possibility that one day we will be able to think about a subject, sending an impulse from the brain to a computer, which retrieves information on the subject and sends it back to the brain!

While the digital world is an integral part of Cyborg and Connectivism theories, it can have a huge part of Constructivism. Students can use technology to build their knowlege. According to Adams and Burns, "Computers are dynamic learning tools. They can offer students a variety of real-world and interactive learning experiences that cannot be replicated by other classroom tools. Such an observation does not suggest that books, microscopes, or other classroom tools be subordinated to computers. Rather it is an invitation to use computers in concert with other resources to engage students in active construction of knowledge and authentic problem-solving. Only then will the environment truly support learning while integrating technology "

Adams, A. & Burns, M. (1999). Learning as a Personal Event: A Brief Introduction to Constructivism. //Connecting Student Learning and Technology.// 7. Retrieved from http://www.sedl.org/pubs/tec26/intro2c.html. Southwest Educational Development Laboratory.