Module 4: Post # 2 Blog Responses

This week I posted to Jeriann at http://jerianking.blogspot.com as well as Candice at http://crjoneswaldenu.blogspot.com.

Module 4: Post #1 - Joshua Sherman

My Connections

My network, specifically my connection to my network has changed the way that I learn. When it comes to projects in learning I have tended to be a loner preferring to work alone as opposed to within groups. Connectivity through tools such as email, Skype, and Googledocs, however, makes learning within a group manageable as learning and sharing can take place anytime and anywhere an in Internet connection is available. The network that I interact within provides a market place for ideas as well as a sounding board for questions and concerns. For example, the TIE Net group that I belong to is semi-formal organization of local (South-Central Pennsylvania) technology integration coaches. I rely on this organization to gather ideas from colleagues and test ideas that I have regarding technology integration within my classroom.

I utilize a multitude of Web 2.0 tools to facilitate learning. I am particularly partial to Skype and ooVoo for web chat and video chat. I routinely connect with fellow teachers who work to integrate technology in a K-12 environment. I also find Googledocs to be very helpful in collaborating on various documents with colleagues both within and outside of my school district.

When I have questions I routinely reach out to colleagues that I know have a working knowledge in the area that I have an inquiry. I will reach out to colleagues within and outside of my building through email (one-to one as well as listservs) as well as through Skype. I also like to review various technology blogs and wikis that have been created for technology integration. An example of a wiki that I visit often is http://web20guru.wikispaces.com/Home . This wiki was created by Cheryl Capozzoli, a technology integration specialist for the Capital Area Intermediate Unit here in Pennsylvania.

Module 3: Post #2 Blog Responses

In Module 3 I have responded to Candice @ http://crjoneswaldenu.blogspot.com as well as Aimee @ http://cothran7105.blogspot.com

~Joshua Sherman

Module 3: Post #1 Joshua Sherman

Rheingold (2008) tells us that collective action (collaboration) has enabled much in the way of progress and major historical events. Collective action enabled by the literacy of the printing press, for example, fostered the protestant reformation and the birth of constitutional democracies (Rheingold, 2008). I do believe, as Rheingold (2008) believes, that humans have a basic instinct to “interact and work as a group”. I see the desire to work collectively in small groups or learning communities regularly from my own students. The American Civics course that I teach is set up as a project based learning course. Students complete four major projects throughout the semester course. Two projects are group based and two are individual based. During the end of course evaluations students routinely comment as to preferring group projects to individual projects.

21^st-century technology will certainly continue to facilitate collaboration among learners. Rheingold (2008) believes that open source or peer-to-peer software will serve as the new economic form of the 21^st-century. There are various pieces of 21^st-century technology that can facilitate collaboration among learners as well. Prior to the onset of web chat/conferencing, collaborative student work was limited to the confines of the classroom for students who were not mobile (able to get together with classmates outside of the classroom). Web chat/conferencing software such as Skype and ooVoo allow students to collaborate on schoolwork outside of the classroom.

Teacher learning and collaboration in innovative teams, a mixed methods study conducted by Meirinka, Imants, Meijer, and Verloop (2010), is an example of current research on the topic of collaboration and learning. This study investigates how specific characteristics of collaboration in teams relate to teacher learning.

References

Meirinka, J. A., Imants, J., Meijer, P. C., & Verloop, N. (2010). Teacher learning and collaboration in innovative teams. Cambridge Journal of Education 40(2), 161-181. Doi: 10.1080/0305764x.2010.481256.

Rheingold, H. (2008, February). Howard Rheingold on Collaboration (video file). Retrieved from http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/howard_rheingold_on_collaboration.html .

Module 2 Post # 2 Blog Responses

I have posted responses to Candice @ http://crjoneswaldenu.blogspot.com as well as to Aimee @ http://cothran7105.blogspot.com.

Module 2 Post #1 Joshua Sherman

The blog by Bill Kerr chronicling a conversation between Kerr, Stephen Downes, and Karl Kapp is a fascinating look at varying positions on learning theory. Kerr makes a great point when discussing the importance of _isms in educational thought and reform. "Because how else could we have change without a theory to justify it and help us think about it" ~ Bill Kerr: isms as a filter not a blinker. The study of learning theory as a mechanism to foster thinking about educational practice and reform, in my mind, makes learning theory relevant to a classroom teacher. As classroom teachers we are all in pursuit of creating an environment that best suits the individual needs of our learners. The study of learning theory provides insight into the complex process of learning. To an educational change agent then learning theory and the study of _isms provides the justification for educational reform movements.

Reading through the conversation between Kerr, Downes, and Kapp it is apparent that influential thinkers in the field of learning theory have definite positions and favorite _isms. I think it is important to glean pieces from multiple learning theories to gather a more complete picture. Learning is a complex process that is not likely to be defined by one theory or _ism. "It seems to me that each _ism is offering something useful without any of them being complete or stand alone in their own right" ~Bill Kerr: isms as a filter not a blinker. Karl Kapp echoes this thought; "We need to take pieces from each school of thought and apply it effectively because... Cognitivism doesn't explain 100% how humans process information and neither does Constructivism or Behaviorism. What we need to do is take the best from each philosophy and use it wisely to create solid educational experiences for our learners" ~ Out and About: Discussion on Educational Schools of Thought.

Module 1 Post # 2 Blog Responses Joshua Sherman

In module 1 I have responded to Aderonke Bello http://baedutech.blogspot.com as well as to Candice Jones http://crjoneswaldenu.blogspot.com.

Joshua Sherman