Chapter 7: Communicating With Technologies
David Jonassen
Common Sense Media Forum Webcast
Both the webcast and book reading come to the conclusion that one has to balance one's use of communicating via the virtual world. Online discussion boards, chats, blogs, podcasting, video conferencing, and instant messaging are just a few examples of ways students can communicate with experts and diverse people in real-life contexts.
Used appropriately and thoughtfully, technologies can enhance the learning of students, especially if students are participating in and or creating these medias. I liked the quote from the text, "The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn." Alvin Toffler (n.d.) This really applies to our society today and where it is heading with the computer and our online world.
An analogy would be eating healthy. You can eat sweets, dairy products, meats etc. it's all about moderation. Too much of anything is not a good idea. So the same with technologies and communicating with new tools and medias on the computer. One needs a balance their usage. Everybody is different so it isn't like a math algorithm in which there is an exact answer, it really depends on the individual and the student's family makeup and beliefs.
However, as our society continues to grow with new technologies, it really is imperative to be willing to learn and explore what is out there in terms of the virtual world. Knowledge is key! Parents, teachers, and students just have to be cautious and cognoscente of the dangers and abide by the rules of computer usage. As a word in this week's online title, common sense is important and should be used by all.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Class 7 Reading Response
Chapter 5: Modeling With Technologies
David Jonassen
Using computers as Mindtools for students to construct their own learning and to make meaning of what is being taught is something that needs to happen more often. When I think of the typical classroom, some of these tools can used more readily then others. For example, spreadsheets and concept mapping vs. databases, modeling systems with systems dynamics tools, and expert systems. However, I am very interested in systems modeling tools. I don't know much about this and according to the reading, it appears that this is a more complex way to organize and represent one's conceptual understanding of a system, both qualitatively and quantitatively. Also, different from a concept map, modeling systems illustrates interrelationships among the components of a system, and how one component of a system affect other components, which will inherently affect the original components. (Jonassen)
This mindtool appears to allow the learner to really construct their own learning and almost for the learner to challenge them self with taking knowledge of a concept to the next level with understanding. My question is, are these tools: Stella, VenSim, and PowerSim, programs that can be downloaded for free from the web, or are they software tools that require purchasing in order to use?
David Jonassen
Using computers as Mindtools for students to construct their own learning and to make meaning of what is being taught is something that needs to happen more often. When I think of the typical classroom, some of these tools can used more readily then others. For example, spreadsheets and concept mapping vs. databases, modeling systems with systems dynamics tools, and expert systems. However, I am very interested in systems modeling tools. I don't know much about this and according to the reading, it appears that this is a more complex way to organize and represent one's conceptual understanding of a system, both qualitatively and quantitatively. Also, different from a concept map, modeling systems illustrates interrelationships among the components of a system, and how one component of a system affect other components, which will inherently affect the original components. (Jonassen)
This mindtool appears to allow the learner to really construct their own learning and almost for the learner to challenge them self with taking knowledge of a concept to the next level with understanding. My question is, are these tools: Stella, VenSim, and PowerSim, programs that can be downloaded for free from the web, or are they software tools that require purchasing in order to use?
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