Week 3

Activity 3.3 Learning and Technology Theories Reflection

     It is hard to pick just one theory as some aspects work for me but not always the whole theory. Take constructivism for example: the idea that the teacher is a guide and that you are in control of your own learning is really great for me as I tend to do things a little bit differently. However the "hands on" doesn't work that well for me, when I had to do experiments in science, yes they were fun but that was it for me. I was unable to connect what I was doing with my hands to what I had read and learned in the textbook, the practical just did not match up to the theoretical for me. 

    So right now connectivism is what seems to match up for me. I also think it is the most practical for today's world, if you don't know something you go look for it, no one relies on memory any more  Knowing where to find information is key and if we can teach that then I believe everyone would become more efficient. Now obviously not everyone learns the same way but this is how my brain works. If I don't know something I automatically think about where I can get it. With technology this is so easy and I can reasonably do it any time and anywhere. I think we should be less interested in what a student 'remembers' or can 'recall' and focus on application. Can we give someone information and see them Apply it? The information itself isn't what's important but they way we use it. Also I think connectivism breaks down the idea that technology secludes us because you need connections to find information quickly. You aren't sitting at a computer and not interacting with someone, in fact you could be interacting with thousands! It makes the sharing of information ridiculously efficient when you throw in technology. 

Using technology to help me learn in this way >>> RIGHT NOW. I am taking information that I learned in class and am applying it on a blog, which can be seen by others. Sharing information. So I haven't memorized every theory but I do have a general idea of each and if I need to know more BAM all I have to do is click or ask a classmate or even look at their blog or portfolio. 

Another way connectivism helps me learn is that if I have a question I have to work to find the answer. I have to Google it or tweet a friend or read an article. This process helps me remember it rather than an answer being told to me by a teacher. A teacher should look at me and say "Look it up" and "find me some examples". LOOK FIND CONNECT LEARN. I might come out knowing more than what you would have taught me in the first place.