EDLD 5364 Teaching with Technology Week 1 Reflection

This week’s readings focused on three areas: Constructivism, Connectivism and Cyborg, and how we use these in learning.

Constructivism is when the current learning makes connections with prior knowledge and exerience.  These connections are made through project based, hands on, collaborative, experimental learning. Connectivism rests in the idea that knowledge is out there in the world already you only need expereiences to make connections to that knowledge.  Cyborg takes things a step further and enhances the existing human.  Cyborg enhances human senses and links the human brain to technology. Cyborg is part human and part technology.

Constructivism and Connectivism are similar in that they make connections between information for learning to take place.  For students to maximize learning they must connect new knowledge to prior or exisiting knowledge to make those connections.  Once connections are make, more long lasting learning takes place.  Cyborg enhanced learning is more sci-fi sounding but on small terms realistic in today’s environment.  We already use hand held devices, computer prorams and technology to help students learn.  Although these are not implanted in the body like what Cyborg talks about, these devices do modify and enhance the learning environment.  Moving to an environment where the learning is not about the technology and the technology is seamlessly integrated is where leaning is maximized.

Works Cited

"Building knowledge: constructivism in learning - YouTube." YouTube. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Sept. 2013. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F00R3pOXzuk>.

"How People Learn:  Brain, Mind, Experience, and School: Expanded Edition." The National Academies Press. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Sept. 2013. <http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=9853&page=206>.

"Kevin Warwick: Cyborg Life - YouTube." YouTube. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Sept. 2013. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RB_l7SY_ngI>.

"The Changing Nature of Knowledge - YouTube." YouTube. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Sept. 2013. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMcTHndpzYg>.