In reading about these technologies I considered those that are better for teaching facts in an objective way versus those that lend themselves more towards applied constructed learning. Because individuals all learn and process information in varying ways, it makes sense to build classroom environments that use both objective and constructivist technologies. I don't think a classroom that relies soley on one type will lead to the highest level of success for all students.
In the program I currently work with we use the following web 2.0 technologes:
- Virtual classrooms (Adobe Connect)
- Collaborative wiki-pages
- Online group-based simulations
One technology that I am particularly intersted in, is the use of Twitter in online classes. In the first assignment for this course I wrote about how Twitter may potentially increase social presence in online courses. We use Twitter in backchannel conversations while students are presenting. Students are asked to listen to the presentation and then simultaneously tweet immediate reactions and questions. We hope that this encourages active learning and a more personal learning experience where students can direct conversations about what they found interesting in a particular conversation. So, the students are giving a presentation that is typically an objectivist way of learning, however by then asking them to engage in a twitter conversation where they apply this learning and discuss based on their own interests and experiences brings in a constructivist style of learning as well.
Do you think classrooms should encourage both styles of teaching and learning? Or can successful classes exist when only one style of learning is present?
Jacqueline, that's a very interesting way to use twitter. I love creativity especially when trying to facilitate higher order learning. I didn't understand what you listed as "based simulations." As far the using one teaching model or another, I think you are right in the sense that are teaching should be flexible and not rigid. UKOU has it right. Teaching and learning should be "Open."
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