Welcome to my Blog

INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN BLOGS OF INTEREST

http://ideas.blogs.com/lo/
This site was insightful for me as it addresses teaching in
higher education using the constructive approach in online learning. This is something I would like to focus on
and found the information at this site to be very informative and targeted to
my needs. It is a professional goal to
design meaningful online courses that focuses on the needs of the learner. This site provides the designer with ideas
and theoretical references toward use of constructivism in the distance
learning environment. It also includes
information on how teachers need to accept the need for continuing professional
education in teaching and keeping current with technology use in their current
courses.
http://www.iddblog.org/
This is a blog site dedicated to instructional design and it
addresses the use of social media in teaching.
I have often avoided the use of social media when teaching because of
the policies and procedures of the institutions I have worked in as a
teacher. After attending a recent
conference I realize that social media works in assisting most younger students
to learn and teachers need to acquaint themselves with this media and its
promise of productivity.
http://theelearningcoach.com/
This site coaches teachers in the availability of different
types of media (such as telephone apps) for e learning. I have obtained many new ideas from this site
and have learned that I harbored biases and misconceptions regarding use of
social media sites. My phobia developed
into genuine interest and allowed me to become more open-minded regarding use
of public learning apps.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Reflective Thoughts

The course has made me further understand the differences between learning theories and learning styles. I used to spend precious time discovering what learning styles of students and realized that I must use a variety of tools to reach all students in class regardless of their specific learning styles.  While I still believe it is important for students to be aware of how they learn for study purposes, ultimately it is most important for the teacher to follow a design that will provide strategies for learning using a variety of methods and a combination of theories. 

Learning does not happen in a vacuum but is a combination of past experiences, reality and comprehension (Davis, Edwards & Kelly-Bateman, 2008). Providing students with the opportunity to connect on a social and scholastic level will encourage them to connect with each other during the learning process.  This process can be achieved via distance learning, thereby joining students in a virtual classroom from all areas of the globe to share experiences and knowledge.  The online course is a personal choice of media to allow this to occur.

Technology plays a major role in my learning as it provides an avenue for me to research subjects and allows me to connect with others and to have access to multiple libraries.  I have achieved my undergraduate and graduate degrees through the online environment.  I will now pursue a post graduate certificate by the same method.  Distance learning allows connection with many different students and faculty and provides a wider source of experiences and knowledge.

Davis, C., Edmunds, E., & Kelly-Bateman, V. (2008). Connectivism. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Connectivism

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Reflection

The network has presented challenges for me that actually motivate me to research and spend time learning why I cannot access certain sites or add to the blog.  It is frustrating at times but I enjoy testing my skills with technology and learning how to obtain better skills after the research.  I seem to go around in circles sometimes.

The digital tools that best facilitate learning for me are embedding things like sound bites and video into PowerPoint; using smart boards and designing online courses.  I am a visual learner and enjoy a change in venue that digital tools can provide to keep me engaged.

Use internet searches on topics that I am unsure about.  If that leads to a “dead end” I often seek articles and reading materials that are of reference quality.  I will consult with the instructor of the course for guidance when necessary.

The personal learning network supports connectivisim in that learning is a process that involves a network from developing connections (Wikipedia, 2011)  A blog and other social media helps to develop connections with other people who have different opinions which can facilitate learning.  Nurturing connections can facilitate continual learning (Wikipedia, 2011).  A blog can help maintain connections and keep the conversation current and flowing and place value on a blend of ideas.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

CONNECTIVISM

Here is a copy of my mind map for viewing.  It relates to Physical Assessment skills in Nursing.

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Interesting sites about the Brain and Learning

Here are two sites I found very interesting.  One is regarding the learners in the 21 st Century and the other continues to describe the function of the brain in learning.  I hope you find these sites as interesting as I did.


http://www.tsbvi.edu/blog/otrvi/2011/08/30/learning-and-the-brain/