Week 1

Engagement Activity 1: Learning Styles


I didn't find this exercise surprising at all. I have always known that I put more emphasis on the visual rather than the written, but I found it interesting all the other aspects that this test evaluates. This test showed me that I also show some signs of a kinaesthetic learner- which I never really considered 


Engagement Activity 3: Reflection on Prensky's ideas


I some way I agree with Prensky's ideas on the nature of todays learners. I only have to look at the younger generations in my life (cousins/friends children) to see that technology plays a more significant role in their development. Books and 'classic' toys have been replace with electronic versions, iPads & iPods and are also used as behavioural management tools (if they are being particularly disruptive or fidgety they are given such devices to settle them down/distract them). However, more often then not the more traditional books and toys (when given the opportunity) I find act as a great relief for the younger generations in my life.I feel that some times the electronic devices/apps/toys create a sensory overload and lack the personal touch or the 'silence' and reflective nature that a book or lego blocks can provide. 


I also feel that the digital native and digital immigrant concept is quite relevant, however I don't feel that this is a new concept- there are always going to be generational differences between teachers and their students. Technology has always been dynamic and just with every profession teachers must make time to up skill and keep up-to-date with modern technology.


I feel there is definitely substance to this article, but once again nothing that has not been an issue in past generations (although there is the valid and proven argument that technology is evolving quicker than ever before!). As stated previously teachers need to 'get with the times' and embrace the technologies that todays generations are engaged in and keep the ways they teach as relevant as possible to the world that we (and their students) now live in.


References
Prensky, M. (2005). Engage or Enrage me. Retrieved from http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/erm0553.pdf


Engagement Activity 4:Reflection on Connectivism

“Connectivism is the integration of principles explored by chaos, network, and complexity and self-organisation theories” (Seimens, 2004).

I feel that Connectivisim is the learning theory that is most applicable to today’s learner. Technology and the availability of information has transformed they way we work and our capabilities and therefor our learning must be adaptable. I find it interesting that learning is considered to be messy and chaotic and that making meaning from this chaos is most important. Nowadays people may feel disoriented by the information that has been made accessible through online technologies and that its is now most important that we have the skills to make meaning and be able to cypher through knowledge clutter.The theory also supports the fact that having knowledge is not as important as it used to be and that knowing where you can find the knowledge is the key. I also feel that the emphasis on self-learning, network learning and making connections (with people and different opinions etc) is quite significant and that ICT’s will play a big role in creating such opportunities. 


References 
Siemens, G. (2004). Connectivism: A Learning Theory for the Digital Age. Retrieved from http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/connectivism.htm