Reflection

Reflections

Birbal, R. &Blair, J (2002) states that, “computers are now common place. The effects of computers are everywhere. Your knowledge of computer will serve you well, just as learning to read a map will make you a better traveler.”p6. There could be no better truth than this. According to the Philosopher Marc Prensky,even for the adult who is a “digital immigrant” views technology a means of survival in the business world. Efficient and effective networking must utilize technology.

 My network has certainly changed the way I learn.  In the past my main methods of learning were through information obtained from books, my teachers, vicarious experiences and news. I read consistently and made notes of key things I needed to remember. Whenever I went to any classroom I ensured I had a front seat or sat no further than the first three rows so as to minimize distractions and get the most from the class. Today with all this networking learning has become much easier for me. It is just with the click of a finger or a mouse and information is there at my convenience.  I can return to the information any time and almost from anywhere. For example even if I travel away from home information can still be retrieved due to technology. Therefore I no longer have to depend on hearing but manipulating computer images, doing activities that may be related to subject studied.

The digital tool that has facilitated learning for me is the computer. There are quite a few programs on the computer that has taught me some basic skills and enhanced learning in many areas of my life. For example, the use of excel and quick books which become possible through the use of computers has helped me tremendously in doing my accounts for my school. This task was very difficult to handle prior to these programs. Computer based Instruction tools such as those used for teaching a foreign language  have been very useful to me and the students whom I lecture.

Obtaining new knowledge particularly when I have questions does not take a long time to clarify. I do not have to go to a library and search through set books before obtaining the needed information. Rather,  I just simply go to a data base and type in the name of the author and year of publication and the book appears.  

The central tenets of Connectivism as purported by Lev Vygotsky is that the “influence of one’s social surroundings is imperative to learning and the development of thought.”  According to him, an individual’s community plays a major role in making meaning out of one’s life. One of his major contributions to the study of leaning was his concept of the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD). This in simple terms means the difference between what an individual can do on his or her own, and what he or she can do with assistance from someone more knowledgeable. My personal learning network supports this central tenents of connectivism. The world has become a global village which forms part of my community and social development. Thus when I use my network to obtain information or learn something new or communicate to a friend or colleague I am making meaning or finding meaning from matters which I am uncertain of. Furthermore, after reading through information obtained from my network I must reflect and analyze, synthesize,evaluate and comprehend the ideas studied. This in my opinion is using the concept of the zone of proximal development.

References

Birbal,R., &Blair, J. (2002). Information Technology for CXC,

              Trinidad, Pearson Education limited    

 Time Line Form the History of Learning. Flash Media Program retrieved from.    

               http://mym.cdn.laureate-media.com/Walden/EDUC/6115/01/mm/tec_timeline.html