Learning in a Digital World

Technology has had a significant impact on the way I learn. I obtained my master’s degree through an online university and I am currently pursuing my specialist’s degree through Walden University’s online program. What I miss about the face-to-face learning environment is the direct interaction with the instructor and classmates. When you are face-to-face with others, you are able to get immediate feedback and clarification of what is being discussed. The online learning environment provides me with the exposure of technological tools that I probably would not be exposed to had I been in a face-to-face learning environment. The use of technological tools helps keep me engaged in an online learning environment. Incorporating these tools into the learning environment will further enhance my learning experience by building on my content knowledge and engaging in communication with my peers and instructor.

My philosophy of learning is that everybody can learn. All students need hands-on learning in order to effectively grasp the skill/concept that is being taught. The role of instructors is that of a guide. As an educator, I need to guide my students to their optimal learning experience. Regarding the theoretical approaches, it is difficult to say that one is more appropriate than the other since they all have their strengths. For example, the cognitivist theory considers how students learn by choosing materials that will help students learn the best way possible. Whereas, constructivist theories that support active learning, may provide students with a task such as creating a power point or video presentation to showcase their learning. This is also a great approach since it requires students to apply new knowledge while taking ownership over their learning experiences.

New Technologies

While it may be safe to assume that people have positive attitudes toward experimenting with new technologies in the workplace, it may be equally safe to assume that you will encounter people in the workplace who have low self-efficacy in experimenting with new technologies. Briefly describe a situation in which you have encouraged people to use a new technology and have been met with resistance or disappointing results. What attitudes did these people exhibit? What behaviors did they demonstrate? Using Keller’s ARCS model, describe how you could change the motivation of these people, or learners, to encourage success.

Debbie has been teaching fifth grade for almost ten years. She is a very energetic and a highly effective teacher.  However, she is not technologically savvy.  Her philosophy is “if it isn’t broke, don’t try to fix it”.   Last year, Debbie’s school purchased ELMOs or document cameras for all of the teachers to use inside their classrooms. Instead of using the ELMO, Debbie is still using her overhead projector. If no one takes the time to show Debbie how to use the document camera, it will stay in the box inside her classroom collecting dust. According to Driscoll (2005) John Keller’s ARCS model stands for attention, relevance, confidence, and satisfaction. To motivate my co-worker to embrace new technologies, I need to show her the importance of these technologies and how they are beneficial to her as well as her students. I will need to show Debbie the appropriate steps on how to use the equipment. By doing this, it will build her confidence to want to pursue the use of new technologies.

Reference:

Driscoll, M. P. (2005). Psychology of learning for instruction (3rd ed.).Boston: Pearson Education, Inc.