What is Meaningful Learning? (Preface- Ch.1)

1. What is your first impression of this textbook based on reading the preface and first chapter?

After reading the preface and first chapter of the book I feel like this book is being very explicit about the role of technology. My first impression is that the book will be useful when trying to create lessons that will create real learning and that will give students tools or support to use their new findings in real life scenarios.

2. Jonassen identifies 5 characteristics of meaningful learning. How do these 5 characteristics compare with your own understanding of what meaningful learning is?

Jonassen’s 5 characteristics of meaningful learning, active, constructive, intentional, authentic, and cooperative, are characteristics that correspond with my own ideas of what meaningful learning is. My understanding of what meaningful learning is has developed more since I’ve been in the Proteach program. However, as a student I’ve learned that I don’t understand nor remember ideas if I’m not actively trying to make connections with other ideas or situations. This understanding is similar to Jonassen’s idea, in that students have to be active and construct mental models or pathways that build connections from all their observations and knowledge.

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?

As a student, I’ve observed teachers use technology as way to present information in a colorful or engaging way to keep students’ eyes on their presentations. Also, technology was used as a drilling tool. Educational games helped me and other students practice typing, math, and grammar skills. Once I reached middle and high school, technology became a tool to help organize students’ science projects with the help of PowerPoint or research papers with the help of Microsoft Word.

4. In your own words, what is the difference between ‘learning from technology’ and ‘learning with technology’?

When I think of learning from technology I imagine a classroom where students are sitting in front of a projector projecting a teacher’s PowerPoint loaded with information about different forms of energy. Learning from technology is when students are only receiving information and not doing anything with the information. However, a classroom where learning with technology is displayed students demonstrate or explain the forms of energy in real life then create a digital video of the demonstration. Learning with technology is when students can use technology to further their understanding or represent their ideas. Students who are learning with technology have more two-way communication of their thoughts than students who are learning from technology.

5. Who is David Jonassen? Find out more about his background and professional interests.

David Jonassen has taught all over the place from University of Missouri to Banneker Elementary School Milford. Some of his professional interests are focusing on cognitive tools for learning or also known as mindtools, teaching about artificial intelligence used in education, and learning about how people solve problems and support their learning. Jonassen higher education consists of a Bachelor of Science, Master of Education, Doctor of Education, and Post-doctoral study.
http://web.missouri.edu/jonassend/index.html

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.

“With every other technology,…nascent commercial technology for educational purpose” (Jonassen, Howland, Marra, & Crismond, 2008, p. 6). Nascent means something beginning to develop or form. In this case the developing commercial technology is used educationally. “Perhaps the most unfortunate epiphenomenon of this process is the current generation of students who will complete their K-12 education knowling only how to take tests” (Jonassen et al., 2008, p. 2). Epiphenomenon means a phenomenon occurring simultaneously with another phenomenon or coming right after one.

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.

#2 What is your theory of learning? From your perspective, how do people learn? What are the important processes?
My theory of learning is that learning takes place during interaction with others and during observations and experiences. I believe people learn when they are figuring things out, organizing their thoughts, and using what they know or have experienced in a new situation. People learn when listening and communicating ideas with their peers. They even learn when they mess up. The important processes of learning are gathering ideas, testing out the ideas, reflecting or explaining, and then making predictions on how to use the new information.