Blogger #3- Discussion

Greetings:

As a learner, I know I am a Kinesthetic learning style which refers to a way of acquiring knowledge in which the learner uses sense of movement to gain information about the world. This learning style is sometimes referred to as kinesthetic-tactile. Kinesthetic learners tend to lose interests in activities that rely purely on listening and viewing.

However, kinesthetic learners work best in activities that incorporate physical activity. The understanding that some people learn kinesthetically has implications for approaches to teaching. I truly learn by actually doing the power point presentation.  I could remember, in my Junior college years, the professor allowed us to do a power point presentation, in which I truly learnered a lot by moving around and presenting the presentation to the class.

According to Gardner’s work, historically, classrooms have relied on lecture teaching, where the instructor stands before a group of students, speaks on a topic, and takes questions. Gardner's states by instructor led educators to begin revising their approach. Specifically for kinesthetic learners, educators have begun incorporating more ways to acquire learning through movement.

References:

Definition of the Kinesthetic Learning Style | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_6494816_definition-kinesthetic-learning-style.html#ixzz1wVV72LpP

Gardner, Howard (1975) The Shattered Mind, New York: Knopf.

Thorsen, C. (2009). Techtactics: Technology for teachers. (3^rd ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.

EDU 630: Discussion Board-Blog #2

Greetings:

According to (Thorsen, 2009, p.55) distance learning is a rapidly growing area in education that serves students who are not able to attend traditional manner classes. Most distance courses are delivered using one of two delivery technologies: interactive television and the Internet.  These technologies allow students dispersed over a wide geographic are to get instruction. Currently, I attend Liberty University Distance Learning, and I agree with the author, because I didn’t want to attend traditional classes, due to life being busy as it is.  I have truly enjoyed taking distance online classes and have learned tremendous from the prescribed classes.  Also, one of the reason, I enjoy taking online class is that you have the opportunity to spend more time with your family while taking classes online instead of being in a traditional classroom. This is great freedom for many single parents, who has desired to better themselves, while taking care of there family. Also, online will not hold you down to when you have to go to bed or wake up for class (Wenzel,2007). One of the advantages of online class for me is that you can pace yourself and learn at your own rate. Also, I have become more vocal due to my involvements in the discussion boards LU, has prescribed to its students.  However, in my junior years of school, I worked full time and by me taking evening traditional classes, became a bore and very tiresome, from my full time work that was done.  To me online classes have been a prayer answer.

Reference:

Thorsen, C. (2009) Tech Tactics: .technology for teachers Pearson Education

Wenzel, J. (2007) http://voices.yahoo.com/pros-cons-online-courses-vs-traditional-classroom-482075.html

Technology in the Classroom

The power of technology in the classroom can be very positive and exciting for the teacher and student in the classroom. Technological products potential is to revolutionize areas of teaching and learning but, not overthrow the methods of teaching. 

However, technology can have barriers that play a great role in learning such as fewer computers in the classroom, less I.T. Support and the knowledge of computers of the educators.  In today’s society, I have seen many educators that are not knowledgeable of technologies, but in order for them to exceed, they must tap into the power to technology to help change the school system in order to advance their students. Recently, I have seen many school systems create position such as I.T. technologist and technology directors to help expedite the infusion of technology in the classroom, and eliminate barriers.   

                          H E L L O:

          My name is Eric Phillips, and I live in the beautiful Magnolia State, Mississippi. I live in a small town of Pickens, which is about 45 minutes away from the capital of Mississippi, which is Jackson Ms. I recently completed my Bachelor of Science degree in psychology with Liberty, and really it was an experience.  However, it was enjoyable and now I am pursuing a Master of Education in teaching with a specialization in educational technology and online. I am fulfilling one of my dreams, and that is to become a teacher.  Currently, I work full-time for St. Dominic’s Hospital of Jackson, Ms as an Office Coordinator. I have one brother and two sisters in whom I love and cherish dearly. In addition, I have a niece, which is like my daughter.  My hobbies include fishing, reading varies religious books, walking alongside peaceful waters and collecting figurine elephants.

          Technology in the classroom provides current, effective, and modern instruction methods that enhance students’ learning experiences.  I enjoy sharing what I learn and know with my colleagues. I also enjoy learning from my colleagues. There is so much available in the field that no one person can be aware of it all. I think sharing and learning from each other is an absolute must. I feel my future students/many students’ learning will and is enhanced by the use of technology, to name a few, such as: Smart Board or Promethean Board, and Video Streaming.

          Also, the types of technology I enjoy using is:  DVD Player/Recorder: which will provide a means of showing DVD’s and serves as copying device of student classroom presentation projects. A VHS Player, which will be used to show educational film presentations. Mobile Laptop Cart: Allows all students in a classroom to utilize an individual computer for classroom projects and lessons. Digital Camera: Provides students with visual models in classroom lessons. 8mm Camcorder: Used to record student presentations and Internet and provides classroom interaction for students in ―real time. What I look forward and dream is to learn from this course is everything to become an effective teacher to my future students.

Blessings

Eric