EDLD+5364+Week+1+Reflection

As I reflect on the information that I have obtained this week, I feel that I have gained additional knowledge that will assist me in my classroom. I have heard about the constructivism view point of education for a long time. I was introduced to it while completing my undergraduate studies. I have felt that if I know what the students already know, I can build from that. I was quite interested by the new views of constructivism with regards to the use of technology. I enjoy seeking new opportunities to use technology to enhance my students learning. The article "If I Teach This Way, Am I Doing My Job: Constructivism in the Classroom," gave me a sense of affirmation. I chose to do this type of teaching in the classroom with an even heavier focus on technology integration.

Connectivism is a new term for me. I can also see how I use this model in my classroom at certain times. I feel that it is important for students to work together to achieve their learning goals. I strive to create a safe learning environment for them to accomplish this. We work together to set the boundaries, and they work with each other in those boundaries to learn, and to help each other learn as well. Students need to learn that their education is not always just about them. Others have a hand in the process as well. A community of learners is essential for students to succeed.

Cyborg sounds like something from the future to me. I have heard of this term while playing video games, but had not seen the information that was presented about this topic until now. I feel that the cyborg concept is interesting however, it is also disturbing at the same time. If we use technology to gain experiences instead of actively seeking them out, how will we know if those "downloaded" experience are offering true feelings? Experiences must be a whole body event, not just created in the mind. Being able to connect to others through the nervous system was quite interesting. I am not sure that connecting to others in this way would benefit us greatly in the educational world.