Basic Overview Article #1

– This Article states that it is very important for educators to keep in mind where the direction of their class is centred. At some point or another it becomes apparent if the lesson is instructor driven or student led, the future of education urges us to allow students to sit in the drivers seat more often than not. Using technology is one of the 21st century ways in which we engage students in an online forum. There is also an important factor which is to decide upon in your classroom; the time you split in your course between synchronous and asynchronous learning. It is important to keep in mind that these should be determined based on a) the course material and b) the foundations and the needs of those to whom you are teaching. Additionally, an idea to always keep in mind is the human element of your course, as educators it is important to remember our human capacities and those of our students as well. The article continues to state ideas such as “Instructivism”, “Constructivism” and “Connectivism”; there are other dimensions of these ideas such as the Pedagogy, Andragogy and Heutagogy that expand on these particular teaching practices.

Basic Overview Article #2
– This article expands on the notions that technology has rapidly infiltrated and reorganized our lives, including the ways in which we educate, instruct and learn. Additionally, it touches on the idea that learning is a never ending process, meaning that it will continue to be an evolving process because of the fact that knowledge is growing exponentially. It has become evident in this shift in learning that our informal learning experiences impact us just as greatly as formal learning. Technology has altered and is in the process of rewiring our brains, and many of our learning theories can be supported by technology. The article delves into the pathways created by “Behaviourism”, “Cognitivism” and “Constructivism” as well how these learning theories all have limitations which of course discusses the actual process of learning and not the value of what is being learned. This article also discusses the utility of Connectivism and the vast networks that have been binding the questions of education and technological advancement.

  • Instructor centred Learning vs Student centred Learning:
    – Instructor based learning is imperative especially when it is a difficult subject matter and the learners have little prior knowledge. However,  while there is nothing wrong with instructor focused learning, the movement is inarguably moving towards the practicality of a student driven environment. There is a plethora of ways in which this can be slowly integrated, especially using technology. Self Directed learning is the shift towards a concept in personalized learning in which students connect more with each other on their learning journey.
  • Asynchronous  Learning vs Synchronous Learning 
    – Synchronous learning and Asynchronous learning both have their benefits and draw backs. I believe that learning at your own pace and setting priorities with study time, and assignments is an important aspect of being a successful learner. On the other hand, when you spend time physically interacting with your instructor and your peers, this creates a foundational learning experience in which you can create more ideas and bounce them off one another in a more efficient time period.
  • My Thoughts on Connectivism:
    – The idea of networking with connections to gain knowledge or skills; which I believe to be one of the important aspects both as an educator and as a learner. Despite this pedagogy being centred on the instructor the idea of working in a network style is favourable. I believe that Connectivism has opened doors for learning that people fifty or even one hundred years ago would have marvelled at. The advancement of technology and the proper implementation into curriculum and especially student driven learning is something that we are just seeing the origins of.