Learning in a Digital World - EDUC 8845 Module 6

The evolution of technology tools has created an avenue for learners to keep abreast of the emerging technologies. The impact of technology on the way I learn is immeasurable. It has made me have access to different learning styles, which gives me better understanding. The combination of audio, visual and text media has broadened the retention level of the most newly acquired knowledge. Though the use of technology has advantages and disadvantages, but it gives several options in which learners can depend upon, to enhance their learning processes. For instance, I have access to low bandwidth Internet connection; this has made downloading of the video file very difficult. However, the video file transcripts, which to a large extent would meet the needs of learners like me, are available in most online environment. The ease of access to online learning is as a result of technology, which has brought learning to the door step or bedroom of many people across the continents. My base is in Africa, and I am running a doctorate in United States of America, and currently on an on Holy pilgrimage in Israel. This example is to buttress the impact of technology in my learning. Wherever I am, and I stay connected, is equivalent to having the university in my pocket.

Learning in a face-to-face environment is very good as it involves bodily contacts. I had a first and second degree in Computer Science through face-to-face learning, comparing this with my doctorate in an online environment is quite distinct. The online environment involves a lot of collaboration, and creating learning communities. It gives me the opportunity to share experience with other learners; support the learning of each other while promoting creativity and critical thinking skills, open and broad mindedness as a result of constant interaction with diverse people; acquisition and reflection of new knowledge; and a transformative learning. In teaching and learning processes, the ability of learners to create, and construct new knowledge is critical, while the role of the facilitator is non-negotiable. Learning in a digital world would be effective, if a facilitator anchors the learning process through effective communication, feedback, classroom or faculty management, and learning community. Many learning theories, such as behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism are of the opinion that learners acquire new knowledge based on prior experience. This is further enhanced by connectivism, which creates a network for learners using technology.

New Technologies - EDUC 8845 Module 5

The phobia for adaptation and change has been a challenge toward experimenting with new technologies. Most educators at the advent of technology blatantly refused to integrate it into their classroom instruction with the mind that it would replace them in the classroom, without knowing that it is a tool to enhance their teaching process. Gradually, this mindset is being eradicated. However, I am still puzzled at the level of technology literacy of most school administrators and principals. Of recent, I had a meeting with 10 principals in which only one out of ten had an email address. This was a challenge, and I organized 3-day training for the principals. Amongst the 10, one was very timorous, which hinders her learning potential during hands-on section. She always seeks for help on the next line of action without making an attempt to search for it. At this stage was a display of low self-efficacy, and she feels intimidated with the use of technology tool. Often she responds with statements like “I cannot do it”, “I do not know how to do it”, “What am I expected to press”, these are efficacy expectations relating to effort (Driscoll, 2005). Based on self-judgment of her ability, she did not proceed with the expected action. The principal seated next to her was able to create her email address with little support, using this as her role model (vicarious experiences). The perception was that this might arouse her ability that “She can do it” having seen the attainment of others. Whenever she is reluctant to carry out upcoming actions, I use verbal persuasion to build her confidence that she can do it. It is expedient for this learner to develop self-regulating skills. As newer technologies emerge, the likes of this principal would not cease during a training program. On this premise, the onus is for educators to use the best means of instruction to improve learners’ learning potentials.

Keller’s motivational model, which involves four concepts of attention, relevance, confidence, and satisfaction, might help change the motivational level of learners (Driscoll, 2005). It is crucial to gain the attention of the learners by involving them in activities that would rouse their interest, or a puzzle that would make them concentrate in order to find the solution. The activities must be relevant to the new skills or knowledge to be acquired in order to achieve set goals. In achieving the set goals, learners must have confidence in what they are doing. For the learner described above, her confidence is on a proximal development, which is based on what she can achieve on her own and what she can achieve with assistance. Along the line, it would be wise to reduce the level of assistance until learners can independently perform assigned tasks. The ability to use and apply the new skills acquired through the assigned tasks would give satisfaction to learners. Essentially, in as much as the use of new technologies could be inundating, the application of Keller’s motivation model might increase student motivation and enhance their learning potentials to achieved their desired goals.

Reference

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