EDUC 7105 Module 4: My Network Connections

My network of learning has changed the way I learn in so many ways. I have had the opportunity to be exposed to a wealth of resources, build upon prior knowledge, and gain new knowledge. I find myself being even more of a critical thinker and expanding my thought processes based on feedback or questions from my peers. Digital tools that best facilitate learning for me would be Web2.0 tools such as blogging, wikispaces, document sharing, discussion boards, web-based videos and connections established with peers, colleagues, and those outside of education in business and industry. When I have questions about new knowledge, I tend to look for resources or individuals who’ve had some prior experience with what I’m facing or one who comes with a high level of expertise. I also research blogs and wikis to gain perspectives from others who may be in my field. I make connections with individuals using document sharing tools such as Google docs, and invite collaborators to join, edit, and provide their feedback or input as well. Responded to Sharon McDaniels blog at http://sharon-mcdaniel.blogspot.com/ and Sherry Breaden at http://sbreeden71.blogspot.com/.

EDUC 7105 Module 3 ~ Group Interaction: Is it Human Instinct?

“Do I believe that humans have a basic instinct to ‘interact and work as a group’?” When I reflect on my time as a grade school student, I can count on one hand the times in which we were allowed to work collaboratively in groups, so I guess my answer to that would be no (if we were still in that period of time). But as I reflect on today’s learner and from personal experience it seems to be that my students come into this earth as “social butterflies” ready talk and gain new information from others through their own form of collaboration and social media. Much of the group interaction today is stimulated by what Rheingold refers to as “social questions”, which “drives new social forms”. (Rheingold 2008).

It was not until I became an online student obtaining my Master’s Degree and now pursuing my EdS degree that I begin to feel comfortable being in and working collaboratively within a learning community. The collaborative skills that I’ve been able to apply during my online studies, I believe were skills that were introduced coupled with resources, but it was up to me to explore and find out what tools would be best suited for various assignments and projects due for a course.

By nature, I do feel however that we are often more reluctant to share our knowledge with others when the collaborative setting is face-to-face. Incorporating the use of collaborative technology tools provides a way for students to be less reluctant to share their knowledge with others, express creativity, provide them with a sense of ownership, and the mindset that their views have been heard. Collaboration can be coupled with constructivist principles by providing students the opportunity to become critical thinkers through problem-based learning. (Driscoll2005)


Driscoll, M. P. (2005) Psychology of learning for instruction. United States: Pearson Education, Inc.

Rheingold, H. (Artist). (2008). Howard rheingold: way-new collaboration. [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/howard_rheingold_on_collaboration.html

**I've responded to the following blogs for Sharon McDaniel ~ and Holly Shumaker