EDLD+5364+Wk+1+Readings+&+Videos

The Week 1 readings introduced me to the concept of the constructivism theory of student interaction in the classroom as my Discussion noted. This realization was more aptly explained in my response to another student in her article review. Your chosen article showed some good comparisons between constructivism in the classroom along side the standard teacher lecture approach that was previously the norm. I liked the quote, " It has been said that the person doing the work is the person who learns. Teachers can structure lessons so they have done most of the work, and students are robbed of the opportunity to discover" (Learning as a Personal Event, p. 3). Additional comparisons emphasized the fact that prior knowledge assisted students in building greater insights into the topics they chose or were presented for investigation. This series of articles helped explain the constructivism theory a lot clearer to me.

Southwest Educational Development Laboratory: Technology Assistance Program, Connecting Student Learning & Technology, Learning as a Personal Event: A brief introduction to Constructivism, []

The Week 1 videos also described Constructivism and the Cyborg theories. Constructivism details the idea of neuro-networks or learning that takes place within an individuals mind along with the external learning which involves the inter-relationship with a network of other learners. We may not be able to control how our neurons connect with another, but we can control how we relate to other individuals and outside influences. We must also realize that learning never stops and accept the fact that change is constant and moving forward, thus making us life long learners. The Cyborg technology is described by Professor Warwick who had a radio frequency chip implanted into his arm several years ago and his latest electode implant was inserted in his wrist directly into a nerve center so neuro signals could be read relating to his voluntary movements through his nervous system. Connecting his and his wife's nervous systems, caused her movements to be read in his brain and vice versa. His ultimate discovery or goal is showing the electrical impulses of the body can be enhanced by outside electrical stimulus (much like science fiction once began.)