Consolidation
The above Venn diagram represents my journey through the Masters of Education program . The themes discussed in this Portfolio are Educational Theory, 21st Century Learning Tools and Collaboration. Each of these themes are reflected in the artifacts and reflections chosen to represent them. However, how do these themes connect to each other and to the portfolio as a whole? The following will explore those connections.
Educational Theory & 21st Century Learning Tools
How do educational theory and 21st century learning tools connect? In my portfolio I see them as a two themes that continuously build upon each other in different ways. As technology changes and new software allows us to collaborate, reflect and create in different ways , our foundation in educational theory can be challenged. Challenging these ideas can lead to change but if one is grounded in their ideas it will lead to an adjustment of there schemas to adjust to that challenge. This is essentially the constructivist model of learning. According to Dehlia ( 1977) individuals learn new information by connecting it with their past. As they continue to experience social interactions they continue to grow and test existing schemas. I would extend this to include technologies influence on social interactions and interactions with technology in general. Therefore, 21st century learning tools can provide additional insight into one's educational theoretical foundations and in turn allow then to restructure their schemas to include this new knowledge.
As much as 21st century learning tools can effect ones educational theory , one's choice of technology to use can be effected by one's own educational theory. For example, as a constructivist I would tend to source out technology that could help me to construct information. Wiki's, discussion boards, blogs these are all mediums that would enable me to create my own learning through the interactions and reflections with others. 21st century tools are mediums which appeal to my own learning paradigm and my choice of what to use, how to use it and when to use it is informed by those theories.
Therefore, in my personal journey educational theory informs the usage of the 21st century learning tools, and the use of those 21st century learning tools inform how I construct and reconstruct my Educational Theory. This is a reciprocal relationship that forms the foundation of my learning.
As much as 21st century learning tools can effect ones educational theory , one's choice of technology to use can be effected by one's own educational theory. For example, as a constructivist I would tend to source out technology that could help me to construct information. Wiki's, discussion boards, blogs these are all mediums that would enable me to create my own learning through the interactions and reflections with others. 21st century tools are mediums which appeal to my own learning paradigm and my choice of what to use, how to use it and when to use it is informed by those theories.
Therefore, in my personal journey educational theory informs the usage of the 21st century learning tools, and the use of those 21st century learning tools inform how I construct and reconstruct my Educational Theory. This is a reciprocal relationship that forms the foundation of my learning.
21st Century Learning Tools & Collaboration
21st Century Learning tools and collaboration are two themes that support one another in the construction of knowledge. There are many online tools that promote the collaboration between individuals and groups. The usage of these tools help to construct knowledge in a myriad of ways. Social Media lends itself to creating online communities and to fostering reflective practices. Blogs, wiki's, discussion boards and presentation tools have all been used in various ways to promote a collaborative experience between classmates. The purpose of these tools is to create connections and utilize group understandings.
Collaboration can be enhanced through the use of these tools. 21st Century Learning tools allow for collaboration to transcend time and distance. However, these create collaborative experiences are not exclusive to the community within one lives. Different perspectives and ideas are accessible and with that comes the construction of knowledge based on more voices collaborating together.
This is pivotal in my understanding of ideas and theories which are connected to these experiences. Professionally , collaboration on projects will always exist and often are the expectation of the 21st Century learning and working environment. It is how I chose the to use the technology and work with others and utilize their knowledge, that will help me to construct the knowledge needed to complete the task.
Educational Theory & Collaboration
Educational Theory and collaboration are themes that can be seen to promote understanding. Educational Theory is the foundation of how an individual thinks about their pedagogy. It informs how they teach and learn. With the introduction of collaborative experience one can use that understanding of Educational Theory to guide them in how they collaborate with others. As well, these two themes help to promote understanding of individuals positions within collaborative experiences. With the understanding that not everyone thinks the same way nor do they subscribe to the same theories. Collaboration helps to promote ones understanding of another and how their ideology effects how they work.
All of these themes support and guide one another under the umbrella of 21st Century Learning. These themes are fluid in that they are continuously changing and evolving. Much like the 21st Century Learner.
Please go to the next page for my Final Thoughts.
All of these themes support and guide one another under the umbrella of 21st Century Learning. These themes are fluid in that they are continuously changing and evolving. Much like the 21st Century Learner.
Please go to the next page for my Final Thoughts.