Learning+Theories+and+Instruction+Blog+(Steve+Maslanek)

Learning Theories and Instruction
Week 5 Connectivism



My network has drastically changed the way I learn. I used to learn by reading as many scholarly sources as I could find about a particular topic. Then I would form an opinion and move to the next topic. Sometimes I would connect topics and sometimes I would not. Since becoming a part of the digital world, I learn much differently. I actually read posts from experts and other educators and ask them directly for assistance. This has changed the way I work tremendously. Now I utilize livebinder and blogs more frequently than scholarly journals and books. When I read about a new topic, I ask questions directly of the experts in the field and solicit scholarly recommendations. Often I purchase materials recommended by experts rather than navigate the bookstore or library individually. I have not visited the scholarly libraries in many years. The works housed in the Law Library and Library of Congress can be found digitally. However, my scholarly interest is often superseded by the availability and diversity of twitter. This is perhaps my favorite learning tool. I follow experts and educational leaders to stay abreast of current research and trends. I have found that following experts and conferences on twitter combined with weekly Diigo and DEN updates provides access more technology than I can utilize in one school year. This connectivist approach to learning has opened possibilities that were previously unknown.

My current learning practices are a perfect example of connectivism. I currently utilize technology as my primary source of information (Laureate, 2009). When researching a topic, I immediately log on to my computer and search utilizing Google Scholar. I connect with others and we share our resources and learning (Davis, Edmunds & Kelly-Bateman, 2008). During most of the conferences we tweet information from the sessions and follow the conference wiki. In this manner, I connect different nodes of information and focus on my ability to know more (Davis, Edmunds & Kelly-Bateman, 2008). Most of my information sources are open, diverse, interactive and people contribute autonomously (Siemens, 2006). For example, many of the experts that I follow on twitter also post regular blog entries. When I am confused about a topic, I comment and wait for an answer. If I do not like or understand the blog response, I ask the question on twitter and am immediately inundated with responses. This interconnected approach to learning is the very definition of connectivism.

Designing Technology Sites Week 1 http://www.missouristate.edu/fctl/112422.htm This site from Missouri State University gives you services but also gives you resources on how to implement and design technology in my classroom

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/e-portfolios-in-the-classroom-mary-beth-hertz This second site is on learning how to build a electronic portfolio. I am so intrigued by designing this for my science students when they enter 9th grade.

http://www.glencoe.com/sec/teachingtoday/educationupclose.phtml/47 This last site is on how to use blogging in your classes as a way to integrating technology in your classroom. I have been using a discussion board on my wiki space but I am interested in blogging. In order to post student work.

Blog Entry Week 1 My school district has been pushing for pre and post formative assessments. In my lesson, which is the end of a benchmark, I would like to use the essential questions in the NJ State Standards. My feeling is if I use those essential questions and my students can be successful with their answers than I know I am doing my job in a sense. I feel with my wiki I use in my classes I can use the discussion board pages I have created for each class and now those answers are documented and easily retrieved by myself or supervisors.

GAME PLAN > Teachers design, develop, and evaluate authentic learning experiences and assessments incorporating contemporary tools and resources to maximize content learning in context and to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes identified in the NETS•S. Teachers: >> active participants in setting their own educational goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress >> digital tools and resources
 * 1)  Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments
 * 1) design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity
 * 2) develop technology-enriched learning environments that enable all students to pursue their individual curiosities and become
 * 1) customize and personalize learning activities to address students’ diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using

> Teachers continuously improve their professional practice, model lifelong learning, and exhibit leadership in their school and professional community by promoting and demonstrating the effective use of digital tools and resources. Teachers: >> building, and developing the leadership and technology skills of others >> tools and resources in support of student learning
 * 1)  Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership
 * 1) participate in local and global learning communities to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning
 * 2) exhibit leadership by demonstrating a vision of technology infusion, participating in shared decision making and community
 * 1) evaluate and reflect on current research and professional practice on a regular basis to make effective use of existing and emerging digital
 * 1) contribute to the effectiveness, vitality, and self-renewal of the teaching profession and of their school and community

My goals with this lesson follows the guidelines set my indicators "Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments" and "Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership" First by using the my wiki space for student responses to the "Enduring Understandings" I am incorporating online assessment and students are developing a new fresh creative way to be assessed. This prepares them for their next challenge of college assessments online. Second, I am contributing to the effectiveness, vitality and self-renewal of the teaching profession and my school. I have worked with Professional Development Committee and other Earth Science colleagues on all these benchmark assessments. I also have had these teachers develop a wikispace for this reason.