EDUC 7105 Module 2 Blog Post

This week I read two blog posts, both relating to the same conversation. Bill Kerr and Karl Kapp discussed learning theories, particularly cognitivism, and their influence on students’ learning. Kerr (2007) explained his beliefs about teachers choosing specific ‘-isms’ to use for instruction, rather than picking from various theories. I agree with this opinion based on the fact that –isms evolve with criticism and continue. This seems to be true in schools as teachers use strategies, evaluate students’ learning, and continue or modify instruction based on their success. In Kerr’s (2007) blog, he quoted Stephen Downes’ blog explaining that the cognitivism view believes, “learning occurs internally and through social interactions with others”. I do agree with this view, but I do not believe that this is how all learners acquire knowledge. On the other hand, I agree with Kerr (2007) that, “each _ism is offering something useful without any of them being complete or stand alone in their own right”. All –isms should be presented at some point of instruction, to be sure to meet the needs of all learners.

This response is also supported by Kapp (2007), as he explains that, “we need to take pieces from each school of thought and apply it effectively”. Many teachers try strategies with students and are not successful, so they toss them aside and try something else new. In my opinion, applying different learning theories to instruction is the only way to reach all learners, if it is done effectively. Kapp (2007) continues in his blog post explaining how each level of learning requires a different theory of learning for success. I do agree with his view that lower level learners would benefit from a behaviorist approach, rule-based learning requires more of a cognitivist view, and collaboration and problem-solving requires a constructivist view. With as many levels as students are at in today’s classrooms, it is impossible for one model of learning to be successful with all students.

The following blog is in the process of examining 50 blogs over 50 days, based on learning theorists. The author, Donald Clark, discusses the evolution of learning theories over time, as Kerr (2007) had discussed in his blog. http://donaldclarkplanb.blogspot.com/2012/03/blog-marathon-50-blogs-on-learning.html


References

Clark, D. (2012). Blog marathon: 50 blogs on learning theorists over the next 50 days. Retrieved from http://donaldclarkplanb.blogspot.com/2012/03/blog-marathon-50-blogs-on-learning.html

Kerr, B. (2007, January 1). _isms as filter, not blinker [Web log post]. Retrieved from http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2007/01/isms-as-filter-not-blinker.html

Kapp, K. (2007, January 2). Out and about: Discussion on educational schools of thought [Web log post]. Retrieved from http://www.kaplaneduneering.com/kappnotes/index.php/2007/01/out-and-about-discussion-on-educational/

EDUC 7105 Module 1 Blog Reviews

This week I reviewed and commented on the blogs of my fellow classmates.

Joyce Parks' blog can be read at http://marieparks22.blogspot.com/2012/03/edu7105-module-1-a1parksj.html?showComment=1332111533187#c4914991611994748569 .

Jessica Green's blog can be read at http://jygreensblog.blogspot.com/2012/03/educ-7105-2-module-1-blog.html?showComment=1332112185242#c7806387979787907311 .

Tiffany Harrell

EDUC 7105 Module 1 Blog Post

In an article by George Siemens (2008), he defines the metaphors of educators as a master artist, network administrator, concierge, and curator. As a master artist, educators lead students through online tools such as blogs to provide them with information and offer a shift of perspectives, as well as allowing students to learn from each other. Educators as network administrators guide students in forming connections and learning networks to meet learning objectives and critically evaluate sources. As a curator, educators should serve dual roles by having advanced knowledge to provide to students, along with guiding and encouraging learner exploration.
The most important role I believe an educator should play in a digital classroom or the workplace is as a concierge. In this role, educators should provide quick access to resources and serve as tour guides to students. Siemens (2008) explains how learning is shifting “towards more learner designed programs of study,” (p. 16) which will require students to learn more on their own with only guidance from teachers. It is important in a digital classroom for students to have more access to more resources and communication with teachers as they are guided through the learning process.

In the following video, Dr. Ashley Casey (2011) describes his role as a teacher as a facilitator of learning, and shows an example of how he applies this concept in secondary school physical education. He emphasizes the importance of students communicating with each other, and facilitates learning through guidance. The students are asked questions based on what they think, rather than the teacher always telling the problem. He facilitates their learning by allowing the students to solve their own problems and learn from their mistakes. I find this role to be ultimately important for instructors so that students begin to guide their own learning and gain critical thinking and problem solving skills.

The following website (http://www.eric.ed.gov/PDFS/ED407408.pdf ) I located gives five metaphors for educators different than those explained by Siemens (2008). Clarken (1997) explains how teachers are parents, gardeners, prophets, pearl oysters, and physicians. I often feel like a little bit of all of these roles.

References

Casey, A. (2011). Cooperative learning: teacher as facilitator. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZud6u8U6Uc&feature=related  

Clarken, R.H. (1997). Five metaphors for educators. Retrieved from http://www.eric.ed.gov/PDFS/ED407408.pdf

Siemens, G. (2008, January 27). Learning and knowing in networks: Changing roles for educators and designers. Paper presented to ITFORUM. Retrieved from http://it.coe.uga.edu/itforum/Paper105/Siemens.pdf