...ism Theories

...ism discussion between Bill Kerr, Stephen Downes, and Karl Kapp

Interesting how the flow of conversation continued in a scholarly fashion throughout the blog board.
Too, the conversation seemed to see-saw between behaviorism, cognitivism and connectionism - all are learning theories. I especially like Kerr’s last comment that each learning theories are not stand alone but rather well fit when blended. My conclusion from Kerr, Downes and Kapp's blog board discussion is that learning is interwoven with threads of “humanism” meaning belief, values, morals, pre-existing conditions and circumstances, and life in general. Like the “no one fingerprint are identical” thought process, I believe everyone has a different approach to learning and given various options will select a method that is best for that person. This instinctive behavior is our survival mechanism. Learning is the fabric of humanity without it we will be extinct.

Lynda Marshall

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 fromhttp://www.kaplaneduneering.com/kappnotes/index.php/2007/01/out-and-about-discussion-on-educational/

EDUC 8845_Module 1

Critique Siemens’s “metaphors of educators.” Which of these metaphors best describes the role you believe an instructor should take in a digital classroom or workplace? Is there a better metaphor to reflect your view of the role of instructors?

  Siemens’s (2008) stated it best in explaining today’s instructor in a role of a lifetime i.e. virtual classroom teaching “…Whether seen as master artist, network administrator, concierge, or curator, the established expertise of the educator plays an active role in informing and evaluating the activities of learners. Educational institutions face a challenge of reframing their interactions with learners.” (Siemens, 2008, p. 17). To this I say “it’s a revolution in education” as instructors are scrambling to refine their role and identity in a new online classroom arena.  Folks, it is collaborative efforts involving instructors, students, peers, people around us, and our surroundings that teaches life’s lessons and educate us along our life’s journey. Should you ever feel empty to learning meaning you are learning the same thing over and over and over then you either have information overload or you have yet to come across a topic that peek your interest and trigger your passion for more. The same scenario can play out in a virtual classroom where students feel empty in the learning process. Again, it takes collaboration from all of us because everyone has experience and build knowledge to share with others. If sharing did not occur in learning then learning is at stagnate.

This is my view on Siemens’s models of instructivism…enjoy the video.

Cheers,

Lynda Marshall

Reference

Siemens, George (January 27, 2008). Learning and Knowing in Networks: Changing roles for Educators and Designers. [PDF]. ITFORUM.  Retrieved from http://itforum.coe.uga.edu/Paper105/Siemens.pdf

                                              

Lets Share:   Web Video -  Clayton Christensen on disruptions in online education  http://www.edudemic.com/2013/05/clayton-christensen-master-of-disruption-discusses-online-education/

                  Web Article - Bill Gates on Technology and Education

http://dailyedventures.com/index.php/2013/03/22/classroom/