Chapter 1 Questions

1. What is your first impression of this textbook based on reading the preface and first chapter?
I really enjoyed reading the preface and first chapter of this book. I am interested on learning more about how to incorporate meaning learning with technology. It is something that I don’t know much about and I feel that this book will open me up to many new and good ideas.
2. Jonassen identifies 5 characteristics of meaningful learning. How do these 5 characteristics compare with your own understanding of what meaningful learning is?
I feel that Jonassen’s 5 characteristics touch basis on all the important aspects of meaningful learning. Students must uphold by all those characteristics in order to truly understand what they are learning. Being active is important because learners must be engaged in what is being taught. They must take what they are engaged in and reflect on it so that they can integrate prior knowledge. Students must also realize that what they are learning is important and real- world task that can help them better understand situations. And finally student need to work together to learn social and community building skills for the world that they will be exposed to.
3. As a student you have observed the teaching process for more than 15 years. Some authors refer to this as an apprenticeship of observation. Reflecting back as a K-12 and college student, how have you seen technology used as teaching and learning tool?
In my elementary years, technology was lightly incorporated in the curriculum. We had computer class where we learned basic skills and tools that a computer offers. We sometimes watched educational videos to enhance our knowledge on what was being taught. But as I got older technology was necessary in my learning. We used the internet for almost all subjects. In college, it has become essential to success. Most classes require the use of technology to complete projects and reports. I have taken many online classes that are completely done on the computer. I think that technology has been a positive aspect of my learning, but it is becoming too much in the classroom. Teachers need to incorporate mental skills without technology so students can develop in personal and social areas.
4. In your own words, what is the difference between ‘learning from technology’ and ‘learning with technology’?
“Learning from technology’ to me means using technology as the only sourse to convey a lesson. Using a movie to teach a lesson should not be the only way that students learn. They must be engaged by using the 5 characteristics that Jonassen described to acquire meaningful learning. Technology cannot teach students. ‘Learning with technology” means using technology as a tool to help students create deeper understanding of information. Technology can not be used as an instructor, but it can be used as important tool for students to think with.
5. Who is David Jonassen? Find out more about his background and professional interests.
David Jonassen is a professor at the University of Missouri Columbia in the department of Educational Psychology and Learning technologies. He has done so much in his career that its hard to talk about just a few. He interest focus on cognitive tools for learning, cognitive modeling/cognitive task analysis, Systems dynamics/systems modeling, and problem solving.
6. Occasionally, you may come across unfamiliar terms in the reading. Rather than ignore them (a strategy struggling readers use), be sure to understand what these new words mean. This is great practice for the GRE. Also, when we discuss the readings in class, I will randomly call on students to define unfamiliar terms using their own words. For example, do you know what an ‘epiphenomenon’ is? Can you define the word ‘nascent’? Both of these terms are used in Ch. 1.
Epiphenomenon is something big that occurs from something else but has no shared effect. Nascent means come into being. I searched for this on dictionary.com.
7. Choose one question from the ‘Things to Think About’ section on pp. 10-12. Respond to this question. Be sure to identify the question to which you are responding.
3) I feel that it is not possible to learn without engaging in some activity. This activity does not necessarily need to be hands on. For example, when we learn history, even though we can not do actually do experiments with what is being taught, we can still discuss it. We could maybe talk about why certain things happened or even watch a video that demonstrates that certain event or time in history.