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= Learning Theories and Implications for Teaching with Technology = = = = = In our Teaching with Technology course this week we looked at three theories for learning and their implications for teaching with technology. The three theories that were discussed were the constructivism theory, the connectivism theory, and the cyborg learning theory. The constructivism theory views learning as a process in which the learner actively constructs new concepts based on current and past knowledge. The connectivism theory proposes that learning is a process of connecting information sources. This theory considers technology as a key factor whereas the constructivism theory is a learner-centered approach. The cyborg theory utilizes emerging technology, specifically a silicon chip implanted in the nervous system of humans, and is an example of a futuristic view which could possibly create a huge paradigm shift in the global education experience and practice.

Some great thoughts were generated in our class discussion this week on the subject of social networking technology. To summarize our comments I listed the following concepts that we seemed to agree upon: 1. Social networking technology has changed the web and the way people interact and work together.2. For the most part, school districts and teachers either do not see the value of using social networking tools or are very limited in what is available for use.3. Teachers are using alternative methods to network and collaborate such as wikis, blogs, and class websites.4. Students need to be educated to be responsible users of social networking technology.5. Students who effectively use social networking tools appear to be better communicators with the world they live in.

Group collaboration is a major emphasis in this course so I began early trying to assemble a team in order to complete a scenario-based group project. Our team consists of five members from various cohorts within our same class. Our team members represent various areas of the state from Austin to Houston to Beaumont and are all currently working in the field of education. We are utilizing Google Docs for our project planning and collaboration. The plan is for us to demonstrate that we can model, design, and use technology tools to solve problems, evaluate results, and communicate information in a variety of formats for diverse audiences.

We also were provided two opportunities to join in web conferences this week using Adobe Acrobat Connect Pro. By participating in the web conferences and being able to talk to and see the instructors and my fellow students on a periodic basis really helps me feel much more engaged in the class. Having the web conferences has also encouraged the students in our class to begin networking more by email and through other means of communication. Since our class first began having web conferences the effectiveness seems to have improved each time. In my opinion, utilizing web conferencing technology would allow for greater efficiency when working on group projects.