Connectivism

The Brain & Learning Theory

I came across the folloiwng site and found it very helpful because it specifically addresses teaching techniques, teaching technology and the brain. This is the first site to creatively bring theses three key features together for me. The name of the site is -->
BLOG U: The Brain and Learning Technology Use the link below.
http://www.insidehighered.com/blogs/technology_and_learning/the_brain_and_learning_technology
When I think about instructional design work, most of my current and future work is computer-based. Because of the limitations of computers and the need to encompass the various learning styles of people, we must concurrently examine what should be done with what can be done then compare same to the stated objectives and learner success.

New Horizons for Learning is the second blog. It is subtitled News from the Neurosciences. Information is divided into three parts: Articles; Recommended Reading and Related links. Articles are written by industry experts from prominent colleges, universities and hospitals throughout the nation and around the world. The website contains links to all articles. Some articles are links to books for purchase. Use this link to go to the site -->

http://www.newhorizons.org/neuro/front_neuro.html

Notable information includes articles on the brain for both adults and children; articles on how the brain works; methods for keeping it active as well as the latest in science and innovation. If you have time, I would encourage you to examine the following articles:

1) The Whole Brain Atlas
This is from the Harvard Medical School website and shows a cross sections of the human brain.

2) The Brain Connection.com
This site contains information about how brain science can enhance learning. 3) 12 Brain/Mind Learning Principles in Action – One Author's Personal Journey Education professor Renate Canine explains twelve organizing principles on how the brain learns and then using said information to improve student learning.

RECOMMENDED BLOG SITES

Blogs enable me to investigate, create and publish content that I think is important. To extend my blog so that I incorporate more information, I am always searching for varied, reliable content on the web. Varied content enables me to receive information from a variety of disconnected sources so I can weigh the content and form my own opinion. Reliable content ensures that I am using reputable professionals with knowledge and expertise in their chosen area. The goal is to find and link or post the best information possible.

The three blogs listed below contain great information no teaching, learning, e-learning and instructional design. All three contain articles written by the blogger as well as links to other published articles. The blog pages are well organized and information is easy to find. These sites allow me to subscribe and comment on the blogger content. The first blog site is by Ferdinand Krauss. It provides a host of methods on how to teach in an e-learning environment. Approaches and examples make it a useful resources. The second blog s by Amit Garg. It is a reference guide for instructional designers. It contains a list of articles and blogs that must be read. This sit is fluid and keeps me up to date on the things I should know about. The third and final blog is by Bill Ferriter. His article on blogging and wikis was part of our resource list this week. I was introduced to Mr. Ferriter a year ago and was immediately impressed with the voice he provides in the area of technology infusion. He was added to my list because I want to hear what he has to sat and I want to introduce him to others!

RECOMMENDED BLOGS
1. IDEAS: Instructional Design for Elearning Approaches
http://ideas.blogs.com/
2. 30 Top Online Resources for Instructional Designers To Keep Up With
http://www.upsidelearning.com/blog/index.php/2010/05/20/30-top-online-resources-for-instructional-designers-to-keep-up/
3. The Tempered Radical
http://teacherleaders.typepad.com/the_tempered_radical/

Is it Time To Retire?

A teacher called me into her second grade classroom to resolve an Internet connection problem. While I was there the teacher preceded with her lesson using an overhead projector. She placed a piece of paper on the overhead, hit the switch and the document appeared on the white board. One student yelled, "Mrs. Jones (name changed) I can't see the rest".

The teacher walked over to the white board, placed her hands on it and began to slide her hands from left to right then exclaimed, "It won't move over!"

QUESTION: Is there a point at which technology exceeds a teacher's ability and they should retire?