Jan 30--first class
General course introduction and review of syllabus, which can be found on I-
Learn under ITEC 800. This class focuses on learning theories and varying
learning styles. We will begin the class focusing on three learning theories:
Behaviorism, Cognition, and Constructivism. Cognitive theory topic to begin in
about 3 weeks. Constructivism theory later in class semester. All information we
need to know will be provided in the lectures.
IN-CLASS ACTIVITIES 1-30-07 CLASS:
Given a few in class activities. One was a puzzle of sorts and the other a
survey. The puzzle activity was done in groups and explored the different
stragedies used to accomplish the task. The survey was designed to identify the
type of learner we are.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR NEXT CLASS:
The assignment due next class meeting includes creating a timeline containing a
reflection of the reading handout provided in class. Also before next class we
are to post in I-learn who we are and what we think Instructional Technology is.
Bring this assignment to class next week and be prepared to discuss it with your
classmates. Future assignments you will upload to I-Learn.
DETAILS FOR TIMELINE ASSIGNMENT DUE NEXT WEEK:
Assignment is to read article and turn in next week a timeline of the history of
events. The handout is not organized. Dr. Foreman wants us to read it and than
reformat it with a visual timeline that she can see. It can be like three pages
taped together with pictures at the top, dates below, and key points following.
It can be in a format of your choosing, even cartoons. It should reflect
something you think is important and what was happening in ITEC field then.
WEEKLY BLOGS IN ILEARN:
There is a “BLOG” forum in I-Learn that will contain the notes pertaining to
what the class session each week contained. One student, or a few, will document
these notes and post. Students will sign up for which week they will be
responsible for to perform this task. Each student will provide this function
once for the semester. Another task involved with this assignment is finding
links related and posting them. When it is your turn to post, log in to I-Learn
and go to Blogs and click on create Blog. Then just log in as itec800 and the
password is foreman.
ON-LINE TOOLS USED IN THIS CLASS:
I-Learn is the on-line product utilized in this course for postings and general
information. The URL is http://ilearn.sfsu.edu/ Just need to put in your SFSU ID
number and PIN to gain access. The site offers an abundant of information and
will be where you upload your assignment to, starting with the 2nd assignment.
You are welcome to bring in a laptop to class for note taking and immediate
access to URL’s discussed in class via the WIFI wireless network in the room or
hard wire links available. There are also computers available in the classroom.
Other tools: blog, wiki, podcast, skpe, breeze, centra, etc
MIDTERM:
We will in the future post five questions in WIKI. Dr. Foreman will choose some
of these for the midterm.
ON-LINE CLASS AND PROCEDURE:
This class will have on-line sessions. Here you will log in remote and
participate in the class virtually. The product utilized to facilitate this
process is Elluminate. The URL is http://www.elluminate.com/about.jsp This is an
on-line web conferencing tool that you can access remotely, however you may see
degraded performance if your network link is too slow, like with a dialup as I
have- but it still can be done. Alternatively you can come to class and use the
computers in the classroom to simulate an on-line session – this may be helpful
in working with others to gain access.
CLASS TEXTBOOK REQUIRED:
The text for this class is “Psychology of Learning for Instruction” by Driscoll.
The class calls for the 3rd edition but the 2nd edition just misses a few pages
and will work. The one I ordered actually was the 1st edition – but my order
cost for the text for $2.95 + shipping and tax – under $7.00. Alibris.com was my
source. There can be a great cost savings by shopping around. At the bookstore
it’s near $100 with tax. I hear at Amazon it’s around $60 dollars for a 3rd
edition.
Tom Palladino

Eh? The next week reading is Ch. 9, not Ch. 8
Sati made great questions, but I wanted to cover Ch. 9 next week, not chapter 8. you can read chapter 8 but we will not have time to cover the chapter in class. Since Sati did much work, I ask Vanessa (I hope you don't mind) to make up few questions for you to ponder this week from chapter 9. There is no paper to turn in to me. Please read chapter 9 for the class discussion. Take this test, so we can add some "spice" to our discussion next week.
http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes1.htm
Great Leanring Community!
I read your entries, and I thank you all for your thoughtful comments on Janelle's question, and I particulary thank Janelle for posing great questions for us to think about and respond to. As I read your entries, the abstract concepts in the textbook came alive as you shared your own experience. Thank you for your insightful and honest attitude toward one another. I am very pleased at how this class is turning out. When I first learned about Blogs, I saw some potential for instruction, but I wasn't sure how I could use it in the course. I thought that some people may not like to blog, so they would not participate. When I saw all of you left comments, this learning community is going to work. You helped me to scaffold the technical aspects of blogging as well as educational use of the blog by posing great questions and comments.
This week's experience made me think that I want to change my teaching strategies. Here are the things I learned: Make this a more learner centered course. My graduate students have much more interesting questions than I can make up. I like to read 10 different examples from 10 different people.
ITEC 800 Question of the Week (11/3/-11/10) - Chapter 7
Vygotsky's learning theory describes a concept called Zone of Proximal Development. Describe your own 'zone of proximal development.' What did you learn that was just out of your reach? What scaffolds were in place to support you? How did your 'community of learning' facilitate your ability to learn the new skill, concept, etc? How will this experience influence how you will instruct others?
Suggestion for the next class
This is response to Mariposa's suggestion:
Case studies and role playing work well when we want to understand theories. Now, you learned concepts and principles of different learnint theories, you need to see abstract concepts applied in concrete situations. So, I woul like to ask you to bring one or two scenario(s) of different instructional situations that you have encountered in the ITEC courses. In your small group discussion, you will analyze the scenarios, so you can see differnt learning /instructional theories at work (or not) in learning situations. Finally, you will enhance that learning situation by applying learning theories that you have learned so far.
You don't have to turn in anything next week. Rread, think, reflect. Have a great week!
Time to start comparing and contrasting in class?
I hear that everyone is getting a general basis of the information, but that a greater attempt in the classroom to integrate the different perspectives would be helpful. I find it rather easy myself to memorize information in chunks, but more difficult to bring together the 'whole' picture. It would be nice one day to sit and really take a few examples and toss around how different learning/teaching theories would apply. Perhaps starting by reviewing the main points of each theory, then picking apart a scenario in a group to hear different theoretical perspectives. I always find group analysis helpful.
Constructivist or not?
Please go to Dr. Dodge's site, and select one of the courses on the list. Evaluate the course in terms of learning theories that are applied in this course.
I am back, and I have learned a lot about e-learning, instructional design, etc.
Hi everyone, I read your summaries and comments. Thank you for doing that for each other. A learning community can only work when everyone gives some and takes some. I hope you have experienced concept of "learning community" through blogging assignment.
For the conference, I have enjoyed this year's conference. In the past, the AECT presentations were way too much on media comparison research (i.e, is media based instruction better than traditional instruction?), then move on to comparisons of different factors (i.e, red color better than green on the screen). This year, I felt fresh air. More people are talking about "learning environment" and "learning community".
Speaking of learning community, I enjoyed reading your comments. I hope that your experiment with blogging was useful for your learning. Hey, I was so pleased to hear that many instructors are using blogs as an instructional tool. I found this site very interesting. click here
